Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a mobile communications device comprising a housing, a transceiver in the housing, a keypad connected to the housing, and a display connected to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, and wherein the hinge comprises means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees. The invention further relates to a hinge for use therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/829,415, filed on Apr. 21, 2004, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,155,266, issued Dec. 26, 2006; which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/421,278, filed Apr. 23,2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,900,981, issued May 31, 2005, the disclosuresof which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a mobile communications device, and moreparticularly to foldable mobile communications device and a hinge foruse therein.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2002/0154475 A1 discloses a foldingelectronic device. The device has a first part with a keyboard and asecond part with a display. The second part is connected to the firstpart by a two-joint mechanical hinge. The second part can be movedbetween a first position against a first side of the first part and asecond position against an opposite second side of the first part.

Fold mobile phones, also known as a flip phone or a clamshell phone, arebecoming more and more popular in today's mobile telephone market,especially in Asia. In normal fold mobile phones, the phones have a lidwith a display which pivots about 160-180 degrees relative to theportion of the telephone having the keypad. The fold phone has twopositions of the lid; either a closed position or an open position.

There is a desire for a new type of reconfigurable mobile telephonewhich can be configured similar to a conventional flip phone, and whichalso can be reconfigured with the lid pivoted more than 180 degrees,such as 360 degrees. However, for such a multi-open position fold mobiletelephone, there is a desire to provide a robust and compact designwhich can provide a smooth opening and closing motion for the user. Thistype of motion will prevent the user from erroneously perceiving themobile telephone as having a flimsy construction (which might beperceived from a flip phone which opens and closes too easily or with ahinge that does not move in a consistent repetitive fashion).

The Japanese patent document JP2003-309756 discloses a foldable mobiletelephone, wherein a display portion is pivotable 180 degrees around afirst axis relative a keyboard portion. The display portion is moreoverpivotable 90 degrees around a second axis perpendicular to the firstaxis. A user of the mobile telephone may hence more freely turn thedisplay portion to a desired direction. However, the structure of thehinge according to JP 2003-309756 does not allow a 360 degree folding ofthe two portions forming the mobile telephone.

U.S. 2003/0172495 A1 discloses a flip phone having a hinge mechanismwith an auto-lock function. The flip phone includes a main body and aflipper connected by means of the hinge. The hinge is arranged torotatably connect the flipper to the main body so as to provide anopened position or a closed position for the flipper. In the openposition, the flipper is positioned at an angle approximately 160degrees relative the main body.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention a hinge is provided. Thehinge comprises a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotationwith a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge memberdefining an offset second axis of rotation with a second elementconnected to the hinge; and synchronizing members which transferrotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge torotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge througha path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first elementin relation to the second element.

When the user of the mobile communications device being provided withthe hinge moves the two elements towards or away from each other thesynchronizing members will force the rotation of the first element inrelation to the hinge to be synchronized with the rotation of the secondelement in relation to the hinge. It is contemplated that in mostembodiments the desired synchronization will force the two elements torotate the same amount but in opposite directions in relation to thehinge. The result is that the relative rotation between the two elementsconnected to the hinge is divided into two equal rotations; one halfbeing the rotation of the first element relative to the hinge and thesecond half being the rotation of the second element relative to thehinge. Thus when a user opens the two elements of the mobilecommunications device, each of the two elements will experience arotation in relation to the hinge being half the rotation experiencedbetween the two elements. Due to the synchronized movements of the firstand second elements, the two elements will fold and unfold smoothlywithout the risk of jamming the hinge, i.e. the case where one elementunfolds in relation to the hinge while the second element remainsimmovable relative to the hinge. The second element of the hinge isadapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the first element of thehinge.

The hinge body may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distancebetween the first and second axes of rotation.

The hinge may be arranged in a mobile communications device comprising afirst and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobilecommunications device comprises the first element of the hinge and thesecond section of the mobile communications device comprises the secondelement of the hinge.

The first and second elements of the hinge may be frame members rigidlyattached or attachable to a first and second section of a mobilecommunications device. This way the hinge may be formed as a separateunit which fixed or detachably carry the first and second sections of amobile communications device.

The hinge has preferably a thickness smaller than the thickness of thefirst and second section. With a hinge having a thickness smaller thanthe first and second section the hinge will be within the outerperimeter of the sections. This way the user will not experience thatthe hinge is inconveniently large. A hinge will e.g. be consideredinconveniently large if it interferes with flat-laying of a mobilecommunications device on a table, or if it extends past the outerperimeter of a mobile communications device being closed for storage ina pocket or the like. It will also be considered inconveniently large ifit get entangled with straps for other electronic devices, the headsetof the mobile communications device or a string of a hood or the like ona jacket. The designs disclosed in more detail below make it possible toform a hinge with a thickness (in a direction being perpendicular bothto a line extending between the first and second axis of rotation and tothe first and second axis of rotation) being smaller than the distancebetween the first and the second axis of rotation. The designs disclosedin more detail below also makes it possible to form a hinge having athickness (in a direction along the distance between the first andsecond axis of rotation) being smaller than twice the distance betweenthe first and second axis of rotation. Dependent upon the kind of mobilecommunications device different aspects of being thin may becontemplated.

The hinge may comprise a hinge frame having a generally oval sideprofile and two parallel pin receiving holes. The thickness of the hingemay hence be reduced providing a slender but still durable hinge. Asbriefly mentioned above a slender design will minimize the risk that themobile communications device get stuck in the pocket or get entangledwith straps for other electronic devices, the headset of the mobilecommunications device or a string of a hood or the like on a jacket.

It is also contemplated that the hinge may comprise a hinge frame havinga generally rectangular shape. This may e.g. be convenient when it isdesired to provide a mobile communications device with stable stand upproperties.

The hinge frame may comprise a recess for receiving the synchronizingmembers. The synchronizing members will then be protected from dustwhich could imperil the function of the hinge.

The hinge may comprise a hinge lock for locking the position of thesecond section relative to the first section at an intermediate positionbetween a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully open position. Auser of a device equipped with a hinge according to the presentinvention may hence unfold the device to specific, predeterminedpositions for e.g. viewing a screen on the device.

The synchronizing members of the hinge may comprise four conical ortruncated conical gears connected to each other. More specifically thehinge may comprise a first and second hinge pin rotatably mounted in thepin receiving holes, wherein each of the first and second hinge pins mayhave one conical or truncated conical gear connected thereto, and eachof the first or second hinge pins may be rigidly connected to arespective one of the first and second sections. A third, transversehinge pin may have two conical or truncated conical gears connectedthereto and may be rotatably mounted in connection to the conical ortruncated conical gears of the first and second hinge pins so thatrotational movement of the first hinge pin is transferred to the secondhinge pin via the conical or truncated conical gears. The hinge henceprovides a compact arrangement for transferring rotational movement froma first axis of rotation to a second axis of rotation. Since the gearson the third hinge pin may be separated along the third pin it ispossible to bridge the distance between the first and second axis ofrotation even if the gears are small. Thus, it will be possible to formthe hinge with small gears not interfering with the aim of making thehinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The hinge may comprise a hinge lock which comprises planar cut-outs on apartially cylindrical surface arranged between the two conical ortruncated conical gears on the third hinge pin, wherein the partialcylindrical surface is arranged in contact with a spring-loaded lockcontrol part. A very compact but still robust and flexible lockingsystem is provided by the invention.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the first hingemember comprises a first screw gear extending along the first axis ofrotation, the second hinge member comprises a second screw gearextending along the second axis of rotation; and the synchronizingmembers comprises a moving member in engagement with the first screwgear and the second screw gear. Since the moving member bridges thedistance between the first and second axis of rotation it will bepossible to form the hinge with small gears not interfering with the aimof making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it isattached to.

The moving member may be a block with openings which are provided withan internal thread and through which the screw gears extend. The blockresembles two nuts attached in parallel with each other. In this casethe screw gears are preferably provided with one or more threadsextending along a screw line about respective screw gear. The threads ofthe screws (or of the block) may also be substituted by a pin or thelike being adapted to follow a groove forming a thread in the block (orvice versa). The latter implies that the relative movement is limited bythe extension, along the axes of rotation, of the threads of thecomponent engaging the pin.

The moving member may be one or more members shaped as a sphere. In thiscase the screw gears are preferably provided with one or more recessesor grooves extending along a screw line about the envelope surface ofrespective screw gear. The one or more sphere shaped members are caughtbetween the screw gears and rests partly in a groove of the first screwgear and partly in a recess of the second screw gear.

Preferably the first screw gear is adapted to rotate with the firstelement and the second screw gear is adapted to rotate with the secondelement, whereby the moving member is in engagement with the first screwgear such that rotational movement of the first element relative to thehinge causes the moving member to move along the screw gears in adirection being the same as caused by rotational movement of the secondelement relative to the hinge in an direction opposite the rotationalmovement of the first element. The moving member will thus be forced inone and the same direction when the two elements are imposed arotational movement in opposite directions, i.e. when two elements aremoved towards or away from each other. This movement of the movingmember may be formed by two threaded screw-like elements extending alongeach other in the same direction, one being provided with left handedthreads or grooves and the other being provided with right handedthreads or grooves. With the two screw gears being provided with thesame pitch, the moving member (e.g. the block or the sphere) a givenamount of movement will give rise to the same amount of rotation of eachof the two screw gears relative to the hinge body.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the first hingemember comprises a first and a second reel-up surface extending aboutthe first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises a thirdand a fourth reel-up surface extending about the second axis ofrotation; and the synchronizing members comprises two belts, the firstbelt being wound about the first reel-up surface in a first directionand about the third reel-up surface in the first direction, and thesecond belt being wound about the second reel-up surface in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction, and about the fourth reel-upsurface in the second direction.

With this arrangement the first and second hinge elements will besynchronized since any rotation of the first hinge member in relation tothe hinge body will cause the other hinge member to experience the sameamount of rotation in relation to the hinge body but in the oppositedirection, i.e. the rotation of the hinge members in relation to eachother will result in a rotation of the first hinge member in relation tothe hinge and a rotation of the second hinge member in relation to thehinge where two latter will be half the total rotation.

When the first-hinge member is rotated in a first direction about thehinge body one of the belts will be further wound up on its reel-upsurface and the other will be wound of its reel-up surface. The beltbeing further wound up about the first axis of rotation will transfer apulling force through the belt which will cause the belt being wound offits reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation. The belt beingwound off its reel-up surface about the first axis of rotation will bewound up on its reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation, sincethis reel-up surface will be rotated by the belt being wound up aboutthe first axis of rotation. When the hinge members are rotated about theaxes of rotation in the opposite direction the opposite phenomena willoccur.

Consequently, when an user pulls apart the two elements connected viathe hinge or push them towards each other, the total mutual rotationwill be divided in two equal halves so that half the rotation will occurbetween the first hinge member and the hinge body and the other halfwill occur between the second hinge member and the hinge body.

Since the belts bridge the distance between the first and second axis ofrotation it will be possible to form the hinge with small reel-upsurfaces not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smallerthickness than the sections it is attached to.

The hinge may comprise at least one tensioning element applying a torqueon at least one of the reel-up surfaces in relation to the hinge memberassociated with said at least one reel-up surface in the wound updirection of said at least on reel-up surface. With this configurationit is possible to avoid that the belts will slack. Any slack of thebelts will be experienced by the user as looseness in the hingeperformance. In technical terms the slack will be a play or allowance inthe synchronizing mechanism. The wound up direction is the firstdirection for the first belt about the first reel-up surface or aboutthe third reel-up surface, or the second direction for the second beltabout the third reel-up surface or about the fourth reel-up surface.

The hinge may hinge comprise at least one tensioning element applying atorque on the first reel-up surface in relation to the first hingemember in the first direction or on the third reel-up surface inrelation to the second hinge member in the first direction, and at leastone tensioning element applying a torque on the second reel-up surfacein relation to the first hinge member in the second direction or on thefourth reel-up surface in relation to the second hinge member in thesecond direction. This will in a relatively simple manner, in bothdirections of the movement of the hinge, prevent any play fromoccurring. By applying a torque in the wound up direction for each ofthe belts both belts will be tensioned such that a pulling force isalways present on the belts. A belt always experiencing a pulling forcewill not give rise to any slack. Since both belts are tensioned in thismanner, there will not be any slack in any direction of movement of thehinge.

The first and second reel-up surfaces may be formed on members beingnon-rotatably connected to each other or on portions of one member. Thisway the two belts will act as a continuous belt trained about the firstaxis of rotation.

The tensioning element may be connected to a member being provided withthe third reel-up surface and is adapted to apply a torque in the firstdirection in relation to said member. By connecting the first and secondreel-up surfaces and tensioning member being provided with the thirdreel-up surface it is possible to tension both belts in a simple manner.The member being provided with the fourth reel-up surface will benon-rotatably connected with the second hinge member. The second hingemember and the third reel-up surface will be tensioned to rotate inopposite directions in relation to each other. If the first and secondreel-up surfaces are fixed the second hinge member will rotate until thesecond belt is stretched and the third reel-up surface will rotate inrelation to the second hinge member until the first belt is stretched.Thus, the second hinge member will rotate an amount corresponding to theslack of the second belt and the third reel-up surface will rotate inrelation to the second hinge member an amount corresponding to the totalslack of the two belts (rotation of the third reel-up surfacecorresponding to the slack of the first belt, i.e. to the nominalposition of the second hinge member, plus the rotation of the secondhinge member due to the slack of the second belt).

It should be noted that the tensioning need not result in anysignificant geometrical change but may only result in that the differentplays of the different parts of the synchronizing mechanism will all betensioned in the same end position all the time, which by a user will beperceived as if there is no play or looseness at all.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizingmembers define a first synchronizing axis on the first hinge member, asecond synchronizing axis on the second hinge member, and furthercomprises a connecting link adapted to connect the first and secondsynchronizing axes with each other, wherein the first synchronizing axisis offset the first axis of rotation in a first direction and the secondsynchronizing axis is offset the second axis of rotation in a second,opposite the first, direction.

Since the connecting link bridges the distance between the first andsecond synchronizing axis it will be possible to form the hinge withsmall synchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making thehinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The connecting link may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distancebetween the first and second synchronizing axes. The hinge body may beadapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and secondaxes of rotation. The offset distance between the first axis of rotationand the first synchronizing axis may be equal to the offset distancebetween the second axis of rotation and the second synchronizing axis.

Since any rotation of any of the hinge members (e.g. the first hingemember) will give a translation of the synchronizing axis (i.e. thefirst synchronizing axis,) the link will force the other synchronizingaxis (i.e. the second synchronizing axis) to translate the same distanceand in the same direction. The link will assure a fixed distance betweenthe synchronizing axes and since the translation is produced by rotationabout two offset axis and since the offset distance of each section isthe same the translation of the synchronizing axis is forced to the sameamount and in the same direction. Since the synchronizing axes areoffset in opposite directions in relation to respective axis of rotationthe translation of the latter synchronizing axis (i.e. the secondsynchronizing axis) will force the associated hinge member (i.e. thesecond hinge member) to rotate in the direction opposite the directioncompared to the first hinge member.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprisesa flex circuit extending across the hinge being adapted to electricallyconnecting electronic circuitry in a first section attached to the firsthinge member to electronic circuitry in a second section attached to thesecond hinge member. With this flex circuit it is possible toelectrically connect the electronic circuitry in the first section toelectronic circuitry in the second section and still allowing the twosections to be folded about each other in a complete path of 360° inrelation to each other.

The flex circuit may be partly wound about the first axis of rotation ina first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in thefirst direction. With this design the flex circuit will act as a beltbeing wound about the first and second axis of rotation such that itwill be fully or partly transferred from one of the axis of rotation tothe other as the hinge members are rotated.

The flex circuit may be wound about the first and second axis ofrotation in a total winding angle of at least 180°. With this designthere will always be enough circuit to allow a total mutual rotation of360° of the hinge members and the axes of rotation. When the first axisrotates 180° and wound off 180° flex circuit, the second axis willrotate 180° and wound up the corresponding amount of flex circuit, thusallowing a total of 360° mutual rotation of the hinge members.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge a firstsynchronizing member extends or a first set of synchronizing members arearranged along a first path extending about the first axis in a firstdirection, between the first and second axes and about the second axisin a second, opposite the first direction, and a second synchronizingmember extends or a second set of synchronizing members are arrangedalong a second path extending about the first axis in the seconddirection, between the first and second axis and about the second axisin the first direction.

In accordance with one embodiment the synchronizing members comprises aplurality of sphere shaped members arranged in a first queue along thefirst path and a second queue along the second path. The first hingemember is provided with a first stop engaging the first sphere in thefirst queue and the second hinge member is provided with a first stopengaging the last sphere in the first queue. The first hinge member isfurther provided with a second stop engaging the first sphere in thesecond queue and the second hinge member is provided with a second stopengaging the last sphere in the second queue. Respective queueessentially follows a line a thread or wire would follow if wound ontothe envelope surfaces a first and second axis of the hinge members.

Since the two queues of spheres bridges the distance between the firstand second rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge withsynchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hingewith a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

In accordance with another embodiment the synchronizing members areformed by two non-collapsible belts extending along said first andsecond path. In this respect non-collapsible refers to belts being ableto transfer a pressing power along its length. The first belt isconnected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in oppositedirections about respective axis of rotation. The second belt isconnected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in oppositedirections about respective axis of rotation and is wound in oppositedirection compared to the first belt about respective axis of rotation.The non-collapsibility may be strengthened by forcing the belt to run ina channel limiting the belts possibility to be bent.

Since each of the two belts bridge the distance between the first andsecond rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge withsynchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hingewith a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The first synchronizing member or the first set of synchronizing membersmay be arranged to transfer a pressing power along the first path tosynchronize a rotation of the first hinge member in the first directionwith a rotation of the second hinge member in the second direction, andwherein the second member or the first set of synchronizing members maybe arranged to transfer a pressing power along the second path tosynchronize a rotation of the first hinge member in the second directionwith a rotation of the second hinge member in the first direction.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprisesa locking mechanism comprising a first locking member beingnon-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with oneor more indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions inrelation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member beingnon-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or moreprotuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relationto the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positionswhere the hinge will be experienced as a fixed and stable unit. Byintroducing a number of indentations or protuberances at differentangular positions it is possible to for the hinge to be locked into anumber of different positions.

Respective protuberance may be formed by a sphere shaped memberpositioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the firstaxis of rotation. With this design it is possible to achieve a lockingmechanism which exert a minimum of resistance when not in a lockingposition. The sphere may be rotatably retained by the locking mechanismand thereby only exert a rolling friction when the sphere is notaccommodated in any indentation. Moreover, the sphere shape makes itpossible to achieve centering of the protuberance (the sphere) in theindentation since the sphere always engages an indentation with awedge-like surface.

The first locking member may be movable in a direction allowing theindentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and isbiased against the second locking member, or vice versa.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizingmembers comprises a first gear rotatable with first hinge member aboutan third axis of rotation offset the first axis of rotation, a secondgear rotatable with the second hinge member about a fourth axis ofrotation offset the second axis of rotation and in engagement with thefirst gear, and a first intermediate member connecting the first hingemember with the first gear and a second intermediate member connectingthe second hinge member with the second gear.

Since the axes of rotation of the first and second hinge members are notthe same as the axes of rotation the gears, the axes of rotation of thegears may positioned such they need not bridge the distance between theaxes of rotation of the hinge members but instead bridge a smallerdistance. Thereby the gears may be smaller and the thickness of thehinge frame may be smaller than the thickness of the sections connectedto the hinge.

The first and second hinge members may each be provided with a firstguide member extending transversely to the first and second axis ofrotation, respectively, the first and second intermediate members may ona first side each be provided with a second guide member extendingtransversely to the first and second axis of rotation and on a secondside each be provided with a third guide member extending transverselyto the first and second axis of rotation and transversely to the secondguide member, and the gears may each be non-rotatably connected to afourth guide member extending transversely to the third and fourth axisof rotation, respectively, whereby the two first guide members eachengage a second guide member and the two third guide members each engagea fourth guide member.

With this design the intermediate members will slide along the first andfourth guide members depending on the orientation of the hinge membersand still be able to transmit the rotation from the hinge members to thegears with an offset of the axes of rotation of the hinge members andthe axes of rotation of the gears.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprisesa locking mechanism comprising a first locking member beingnon-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with oneor more indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions inrelation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member beingnon-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or moreprotuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relationto the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positionswhere the hinge will be experienced as a fixed and stable unit. Byintroducing a number of indentations or protuberances at differentangular positions it is possible to for the hinge to be locked into anumber of different positions.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached tothe hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation andprovided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the secondlocking member may comprise an elastically deformable plate providedwith protuberances.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple andspace effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable inuse. The plate may be formed from sheet metal and be provided with theprotuberances by simply pressing or deep drawing a bulge in the metallicplate.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached tothe hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation andprovided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the secondlocking member may alternatively comprise an intermediate memberprovided with protuberances, wherein the intermediate member beingbiased against the disc by an elastically deformable plate.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple andspace effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable inuse. The use of an intermediate member makes it possible to design theshape of the protuberances without any limitations imposed by the choiceof material for the flexible plate. The intermediate member may e.g. bea block of a polymeric material and the plate may e.g. be made of sheetmetal.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizingmember comprises a flexible shaft being able to transfer a rotation andbeing able to be bent into a U-shape, wherein a first end of theflexible shaft is connected to the first hinge member and a second endof the flexible shaft is connected to the second hinge member, andwherein the shaft is bent into a U-shape.

Since the flexible shaft is bent into a U-shape the ends will face inthe same direction. Thus, a rotation of a first member connected to thefirst end will result in a rotation of a second member connected to thesecond end in the opposite direction.

Since the U-shape of the flexible shaft bridges the distance between thefirst and second synchronizing axis it will be possible to form thehinge with small synchronizing members not interfering with the aim ofmaking the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it isattached to.

In accordance with one embodiment the flexible shaft is basically formedof a screw spring, wherein the wire forming the spring is wound along ascrew line about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is bent intoa U-shape.

In accordance with another embodiment the flexible shaft is basicallyformed a flexible shaft of a polymeric material or the like. Thetorsional stiffness may be increased by winding threads or wiresdiagonally about the shaft.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizingmembers comprise a first gear rotatable with the first hinge memberabout the first axis of rotation, a second gear rotatable with thesecond hinge member about the second axis of rotation, a third gearbeing rotatable about a third axis of rotation offset the first axis ofrotation and being via its inner surface in engagement with the firstgear, a fourth gear being rotatable about a fourth axis of rotationoffset the second axis of rotation and being via its inner surface inengagement with the second gear, wherein the outer surface of the thirdgear is in engagement with the outer surface of the fourth gear.

Since the gears on the third and fourth axes of rotation only need to belarge enough to bridge the distance between the third and fourth axes ofrotation and since the third and fourth axes of rotation may be closerto each other than the first and second axes of rotation, due to thecontact of the inner surface of the gears on the third and fourth axeswith the outside surfaces of the gears on the first and second axes, thegears may be smaller and the thickness of the hinge frame may be smallerthan the thickness of the sections connected to the hinge.

The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation may, alongthe direction defined by the distance between the first and second axisof rotation, be positioned between the first and second axis ofrotation.

As long as the distance between the third and fourth axis small enoughit is conceivable that the third and fourth axes of rotation are offsetin the transverse direction in relation to a line between the first andsecond axes of rotation.

It should also be noted that the gears may be provided with teethmeshing into each other or with relatively smooth surfaces contactingeach other with friction being high enough to transmit the torquerequired for the synchronizing mechanism to be experienced as stable.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobilecommunications device is provided comprising a housing; a transceiver inthe housing; a keypad connected to the housing; and a display connectedto the housing. The housing comprises a first section movably connectedto a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge. A first axisof rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of thehousing. A second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided atthe second section of the housing. The hinge comprises means forsynchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to thehinge through a path of about 360 degrees. The second section of thehousing is adapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the firstsection of the housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobilecommunications device is provided comprising a housing having a firstsection, a second section, and a synchronized rotation multi-axis hingeconnection connecting the first section with the second section; atransceiver located in the housing; a keypad connected to the housing; adisplay connected to the housing; and a flex conductor extending acrossthe hinge connection and coupling electronic circuitry in the firstsection of the housing with electronic circuitry in the second sectionof the housing. The synchronized rotation multi-axis hinge connectioncomprises a hinge frame; two hinge pins rotatably mounted in the hingeframe; synchronizing gears connecting the hinge pins to each other; afirst frame member fixedly connecting a first one of the hinge pins tothe first section of the housing; and a second frame member fixedlyconnecting a second one of the hinge pins to the second section of thehousing. The second section of the housing is adapted to rotate about360 degrees relative to the first section of the housing.

When the user of the mobile communications device being provided withthe synchronized hinge moves the two elements towards or away from eachother the synchronizing members will force the rotation of the firstelement in relation to the hinge to be synchronized with the rotation ofthe second element in relation to the hinge. It is contemplated that inmost embodiments the desired synchronization will force the two elementsto rotate the same amount but in opposite directions in relation to thehinge. The result is that the relative rotation between the two elementsconnected to the hinge is divided into two equal rotations; one halfbeing the rotation of the first element relative to the hinge and thesecond half being the rotation of the second element relative to thehinge. Thus when a user opens the two elements of the mobilecommunications device, each of the two elements will experience arotation in relation to the hinge being half the rotation experiencedbetween the two elements.

The hinge of the mobile communications device may have a thicknesssmaller than the thickness of the first and second section. With a hingehaving a thickness smaller than the first and second section the hingewill be within the outer perimeter of the sections. This way the userwill not experience that the hinge is inconveniently large. A hinge wille.g. be considered inconveniently large if it interferes withflat-laying of an electronic device on a table, or if it extends pastthe outer perimeter of an electronic device being closed for storage ina pocket or the like. It will also be considered inconveniently large ifit get entangled with straps for other electronic devices, the headsetof the mobile communications device or a string of a hood or the like ona jacket. The designs disclosed in more detail below make it possible toform a hinge with a thickness (in a direction being perpendicular bothto a line extending between the first and second axis of rotation and tothe first and second axis of rotation) being smaller than the distancebetween the first and the second axis of rotation. The designs disclosedin more detail below also makes it possible to form a hinge having athickness (in a direction along the distance between the first andsecond axis of rotation) being smaller than twice the distance betweenthe first and second axis of rotation. Dependent upon the kind ofelectronic device different aspects of being thin may be contemplated.

The first and second sections of the mobile communications device maycomprise a first position with the keypad and display being closed bythe first and second sections, a second position with the second sectionrotated about 180 degrees relative to the first section such that thefirst section is substantially inline with the second section and ahinge frame of the hinge, and a third position with the second sectionrotated about 360 degrees relative to the first section and having thekeypad and display located on opposite exterior facing sides of themobile communications device. With this design it is possible to providethe mobile communications device with dedicated functionality relatingto the different positions.

The hinge body may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distancebetween the first and second axes of rotation.

The hinge may comprise a hinge frame having a general oval side profileand two parallel pin receiving holes. The thickness of the hinge mayhence be reduced providing a slender but still durable hinge. As brieflymentioned above a slender design will minimize the risk that the mobilecommunications device get stuck in the pocket or get entangled withstraps for other electronic devices, the headset of the mobilecommunications device or a string of a hood or the like on a jacket.

It is also contemplated that the hinge may comprise a hinge frame havinga generally rectangular shape. This may e.g. be convenient when it isdesired to provide a mobile communications device with stable stand upproperties.

The connection may comprise a detent locating system for lockingposition of the second section relative to the first section at anintermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degreefully open position. The hinge may comprise a hinge lock for locking theposition of the second section relative to the first section at anintermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degreefully open position. A user of a device equipped with a hinge accordingto the present invention may hence unfold the device to specific,predetermined positions for e.g. viewing a screen on the device.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the means for synchronizing rotation of the first and secondsections of the mobile communications device relative to the hingecomprise gears connected to each other. The means for synchronizing therotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge maycomprise four conical or truncated conical gears connected to eachother. The hinge may comprise a first and second hinge pin rotatablymounted in the pin receiving holes, each of the first and second hingepin having one conical or truncated conical gear connected thereto, andeach of the first or second hinge pin being rigidly connected to arespective one of the first and second sections; a third, transversehinge pin having two conical or truncated conical gears connectedthereto and rotatably mounted in juxtaposition to the first and secondhinge pins so that rotational motion of the first hinge pin istransferred to the second hinge pin via the conical or truncated conicalgears. The hinge hence provides a compact arrangement for transferringrotational movement from a first axis of rotation to a second axis ofrotation. Since the gears on the third hinge pin may be separated alongthe third pin it is possible to bridge the distance between the firstand second axis of rotation even if the gears are small. Thus, it willbe possible to form the hinge with small gears not interfering with theaim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it isattached to.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice, the first hinge member comprises a first screw gear extendingalong the first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises asecond screw gear extending along the second axis of rotation; and thesynchronizing members comprises a moving member in engagement with thefirst screw gear and the second screw gear. Since the moving memberbridges the distance between the first and second axis of rotation itwill be possible to form the hinge with small gears not interfering withthe aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sectionsit is attached to.

The moving member may be a block with openings which are provided withan internal thread and through which the screw gears extend. The blockresembles two nuts attached in parallel with each other. In this casethe screw gears are preferably provided with one or more threadsextending along a screw line about respective screw gear. The threads ofthe screws (or of the block) may also be substituted by a pin or thelike being adapted to follow a groove forming a thread in the block (orvice versa). The latter implies that the relative movement is limited bythe extension, along the axes of rotation, of the threads of thecomponent engaging the pin.

The moving member may be one or more members shaped as a sphere. In thiscase the screw gears are preferably provided with one or more recessesor grooves extending along a screw line about the envelope surface ofrespective screw gear. The one or more sphere shaped members are caughtbetween the screw gears and rest partly in a groove of the first screwgear and partly in a groove of the second screw gear.

Preferably the first screw gear is adapted to rotate with the firstelement and the second screw gear is adapted to rotate with the secondelement, whereby the moving member is in engagement with the first screwgear such that rotational movement of the first element relative to thehinge causes the moving member to move along the screw gears in adirection being the same as caused by rotational movement of the secondelement relative to the hinge in an direction opposite the rotationalmovement of the first element. The moving member will thus be forced inone and the same direction when the two elements are imposed arotational movement in opposite directions, i.e. when two elements aremoved towards or away from each other. This movement of the movingmember may be formed by two threaded screw-like elements extending alongeach other in the same direction, one being provided with left handedthreads or grooves and the other being provided with right handedthreads or grooves. With the two screw gears being provided with thesame pitch, the moving member (e.g. the block or the sphere) a givenamount of movement will give rise to the same amount of rotation of eachof the two screw gears relative to the hinge body.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the first section comprises a first and a second reel-up surfaceextending about the first axis of rotation, the second section comprisesa third and a fourth reel-up surface extending about the second axis ofrotation; and the means for synchronizing the rotation of the first andsecond section comprises two belts, the first belt being wound about thefirst reel-up surface in a first direction and about the third reel-upsurface in the first direction, and the second belt being wound aboutthe second reel-up surface in a second, opposite the first, directionand about the fourth reel-up surface in the second direction.

With this arrangement the first and second hinge elements will besynchronized since any rotation of the first hinge member in relation tothe hinge body will cause the other hinge member to experience the sameamount of rotation in relation to the hinge body but in the oppositedirection, i.e. the rotation of the hinge members in relation to eachother will result in a rotation of the first hinge member in relation tothe hinge and a rotation of the second hinge member in relation to thehinge where two latter will be half the total rotation.

When the first hinge member is rotated in a first direction about thehinge body one of the belts will be further wound up on its reel-upsurface and the other will be wound of its reel-up surface. The beltbeing further wound up about the first axis of rotation will transfer apulling force through the belt which will cause the belt being wound offits reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation. The belt beingwound off its reel-up surface about the first axis of rotation will bewound up on its reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation, sincethis reel-up surface will be rotated by the belt being wound up aboutthe first axis of rotation. When the hinge members are rotated about theaxes of rotation in the opposite direction the opposite phenomena willoccur.

Consequently, when an user pulls apart the two elements connected viathe hinge or push them towards each other, the total mutual rotationwill be divided in two equal halves so that half the rotation will occurbetween the first hinge member and the hinge body and the other halfwill occur between the second hinge member and the hinge body.

Since the belts bridge the distance between the first and second axis ofrotation it will be possible to form the hinge with small reel-upsurfaces not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smallerthickness than the sections it is attached to.

The hinge of the mobile communication may comprise at least onetensioning element applying a torque on at least one of the reel-upsurfaces in relation to the section associated with said at least onereel-up surface in the wound up direction of said at least on reel-upsurface.

With this configuration it is possible to avoid that the belts willslack. Any slack of the belts will be experienced by the user aslooseness in the hinge performance. In technical terms the slack will bea play or allowance in the synchronizing mechanism. The wound updirection is the first direction for the first belt about the firstreel-up surface or about the third reel-up surface, or the seconddirection for the second belt about the third reel-up surface or aboutthe fourth reel-up surface.

The hinge of the mobile communications device may comprise at least onetensioning element applying a torque on the first reel-up surface inrelation to the first section in the first direction or on the thirdreel-up surface in relation to the second section in the firstdirection, and at least one tensioning element applying a torque on thesecond reel-up surface in relation to the first section in the seconddirection or on the fourth reel-up surface in relation to the secondsection in the second direction.

This will in a relatively simple manner, in both directions of themovement of the hinge, prevent any play from occurring. By applying atorque in the wound up direction for each of the belts both belts willbe tensioned such that a pulling force is always present on the belts. Abelt always experiencing a pulling force will not give rise to anyslack. Since both belts are tensioned in this manner, there will not beany slack in any direction of movement of the hinge.

The first and second reel-up surfaces may be formed on members beingnon-rotatably connected to each other or on portions of one member. Thisway the two belts will act as a continuous belt trained about the firstaxis of rotation.

The tensioning element may be connected to a member being provided withthe third reel-up surface and is adapted to apply a torque in the firstdirection in relation to said member. By connecting the first and secondreel-up surfaces and tensioning member being provided with the thirdreel-up surface it is possible to tension both belts in a simple manner.The member being provided with the fourth reel-up surface will benon-rotatably connected with the second hinge member. The second hingemember and the third reel-up surface will be tensioned to rotate inopposite directions in relation to each other. If the first and secondreel-up surfaces are fixed the second hinge member will rotate until thesecond belt is stretched and the third reel-up surface will rotate inrelation to the second hinge member until the first belt is stretched.Thus, the second hinge member will rotate an amount corresponding to theslack of the second belt and the third reel-up surface will rotate inrelation to the second hinge member an amount corresponding to the totalslack of the two belts (rotation of the third reel-up surfacecorresponding to the slack of the first belt, i.e. to the nominalposition of the second hinge member, plus the rotation of the secondhinge member due to the slack of the second belt).

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the synchronizing means define a first synchronizing axis at thefirst section, a second synchronizing axis at the second section, andfurther comprise a connecting link adapted to connect the first andsecond synchronizing axes with each other, wherein the firstsynchronizing axis is offset the first axis of rotation in a firstdirection and the second synchronizing axis is offset the second axis ofrotation in a second, opposite the first, direction.

Since the connecting link bridges the distance between the first andsecond synchronizing axis it will be possible to form the mobilecommunications device with a hinge with small synchronizing members notinterfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thicknessthan the sections it is attached to.

The connecting link may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distancebetween the first and second synchronizing axes. The hinge body may beadapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and secondaxes of rotation. The offset distance between the first axis of rotationand the first synchronizing axis may be equal to the offset distancebetween the second axis of rotation and the second synchronizing axis.

Since any rotation of any of the sections (e.g. the first section) willgive a translation of the synchronizing axis (i.e. the firstsynchronizing axis) the link will force the other synchronizing axis(i.e. the second synchronizing axis) to translate the same distance andin the same direction. The link will assure a fixed distance between thesynchronizing axes and since the translation is produced by rotationabout two offset axis and since the offset distance of each section isthe same the translation of the synchronizing axis is forced to the sameamount and in the same direction. Since the synchronizing axes areoffset in opposite directions in relation to respective axis of rotationthe translation of the latter synchronizing axis (i.e. the secondsynchronizing axis) will force the associated section (i.e. the secondsection) to rotate in the direction opposite the direction compared tothe first section.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice it further comprises a flex circuit extending across the hingeand electrically connecting electronic circuitry in the first section toelectronic circuitry in the second section. With this flex circuit it ispossible to electrically connect the electronic circuitry in the firstsection to electronic circuitry in the second section and still allowingthe two sections to be folded about each other in a complete path of360° in relation to each other.

The flex circuit may be partly wound about the first axis of rotation ina first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in thefirst direction. With this design the flex circuit will act as a beltbeing wound about the first and second axis of rotation such that itwill be fully or partly transferred from one of the axis of rotation tothe other as the hinge members are rotated.

The flex circuit may be wound about the first and second axis ofrotation in a total winding angle of at least 180°. With this designthere will always be enough circuit to allow a total mutual rotation of360° of the hinge members and the axes of rotation. When the first axisrotates 180° and wound off 180° flex circuit, the second axis willrotate 180° and wound up the corresponding amount of flex circuit, thusallowing a total of 360° mutual rotation of the hinge members.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice a first synchronizing member extends or a first set ofsynchronizing members are arranged along a first path extending aboutthe first axis in a first direction, between the first and second axesand about the second axis in a second, opposite the first, direction,and a second synchronizing member extends or a second set ofsynchronizing members are arranged along a second path extending aboutthe first axis in the second direction, between the first and secondaxis and about the second axis in the first direction.

In accordance with one embodiment the synchronizing members comprises aplurality of sphere shaped members arranged in a first queue along thefirst path and a second queue along the second path. The hinge member ofthe first section is provided with a first stop engaging the firstsphere in the first queue and the hinge member of the second section isprovided with a first stop engaging the last sphere in the first queue.The hinge member of the first section is further provided with a secondstop engaging the first sphere in the second queue and the hinge memberof the second section is provided with a second stop engaging the lastsphere in the second queue. Respective queue essentially follows a linea thread or wire would follow if wound onto the envelope surfaces afirst and second axis of the hinge members.

Since the two queues of spheres bridges the distance between the firstand second rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge withsynchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hingewith a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

In accordance with another embodiment the synchronizing members areformed by two non-collapsible belts extending along said first andsecond path. In this respect non-collapsible refers to belts being ableto transfer a pressing power along its length. The first belt isconnected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in oppositedirections about respective axis of rotation. The second belt isconnected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in oppositedirections about respective axis of rotation and is wound in oppositedirection compared to the first belt about respective axis of rotation.The non-collapsibility may be strengthened by forcing the belt to run ina channel limiting the belts possibility to be bent.

Since each of the two belts bridge the distance between the first andsecond rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge withsynchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hingewith a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The first synchronizing member or the first set of synchronizing membersmay be arranged to transfer a pressing power along the first path tosynchronize a rotation of the first section in the first direction witha rotation of the second section in the second direction, and the secondmember or the first set of synchronizing members may be arranged totransfer a pressing power along the second path to synchronize arotation of the first section in the second direction with a rotation ofthe second section in the first direction.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice it further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a firstlocking member being non-rotatably connected to the first section andprovided with one or more indentations positioned at predeterminedangular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a secondlocking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge and providedwith one or more protuberances positioned at predetermined angularpositions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positionswhere the mobile communications device will be experienced as a fixedand stable unit. By introducing a number of indentations orprotuberances at different angular positions it is possible to for thehinge of the device to be locked into a number of different positions.

Respective protuberance may be formed by a sphere shaped memberpositioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the firstaxis of rotation. With this design it is possible to achieve a lockingmechanism which exert a minimum of resistance when not in a lockingposition. The sphere may be rotatably retained by the locking mechanismand thereby only exert a rolling friction when the sphere is notaccommodated in any indentation. Moreover, the sphere shape makes itpossible to achieve centering of the protuberance (the sphere) in theindentation since the sphere always engages an indentation with awedge-like surface.

The first locking member may be movable in a direction allowing theindentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and isbiased against the second locking member, or vice versa.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the synchronizing members comprises a first gear rotatable withfirst section about an third axis of rotation offset the first axis ofrotation, a second gear rotatable with the second section about a fourthaxis of rotation offset the second axis of rotation and in engagementwith the first gear and a first intermediate member connecting the firstsection with the first gear and a second intermediate member connectingthe second section with the second gear.

Since the axes of rotation of the first and second sections are not thesame as the axes of rotation the gears, the axes of rotation of thegears may positioned such they need not bridge the distance between theaxes of rotation of the hinge members but instead bridge a smallerdistance. Thereby the gears may be smaller and the thickness of thehinge frame may be smaller than the thickness of the sections connectedto the hinge.

The first and second sections may each be provided with a first guidemember extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation,respectively, the first and second intermediate members may on a firstside each be provided with a second guide member extending transverselyto the first and second axis of rotation and on a second side each beprovided with a third guide member extending transversely to the firstand second axis of rotation and transversely to the second guide member,and the gears may each be non-rotatably connected to a fourth guidemember extending transversely to the third and fourth axis of rotation,respectively, whereby the two first guide members each engage a secondguide member and the two third guide members each engage a fourth guidemember.

With this design the intermediate members will slide along the first andfourth guide members depending on the orientation of the sections andstill be able to transmit the rotation from the hinge members to thegears with an offset of the axes of rotation of the hinge members andthe axes of rotation of the gears.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice it further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a firstlocking member being non-rotatably connected to the first section andprovided with one or more indentations positioned at predeterminedangular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a secondlocking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge and providedwith one or more protuberances positioned at predetermined angularpositions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positionswhere the mobile communications device will be experienced as a fixedand stable unit. By introducing a number of indentations orprotuberances at different angular positions it is possible to for thehinge of the device to be locked into a number of different positions.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached tothe first section as a wheel about the first axis of rotation andprovided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the secondlocking member may comprise an elastically deformable plate providedwith protuberances.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple andspace effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable inuse. The plate may be formed from sheet metal and be provided with theprotuberances by simply pressing or deep drawing a bulge in the metallicplate.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached tothe first section as a wheel about the first axis of rotation andprovided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the secondlocking member may comprise an intermediate member provided withprotuberances, wherein the intermediate member being biased against thedisc by an elastically deformable plate.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple andspace effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable inuse. The use of an intermediate member makes it possible to design theshape of the protuberances without any limitations imposed by the choiceof material for the flexible plate. The intermediate member may e.g. bea block of a polymeric material and the plate may e.g. be made of sheetmetal.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the synchronizing member comprises a flexible shaft being able totransfer a rotation and being able to be bent into a U-shape, wherein afirst end of the flexible shaft is connected to the first section and asecond end of the flexible shaft is connected to the second section, andwherein the shaft is bent into a U-shape.

Since the flexible shaft is bent into a U-shape the ends will face inthe same direction. Thus, a rotation of the first section connected tothe first end will result in a rotation of the second section connectedto the second end in the opposite direction.

Since the U-shape of the flexible shaft bridges the distance between thefirst and second synchronizing axis it will be possible to form thehinge with small synchronizing members not interfering with the aim ofmaking the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it isattached to.

In accordance with one embodiment the flexible shaft is basically formedof a screw spring, wherein the wire forming the spring is wound along ascrew line about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is bent intoa U-shape.

In accordance with another embodiment the flexible shaft is basicallyformed a flexible shaft of a polymeric material or the like. Thetorsional stiffness may be increased by winding threads or wiresdiagonally about the shaft.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive mobile communicationsdevice the synchronizing members comprise a first gear rotatable withthe first section about the first axis of rotation, a second gearrotatable with the second section about the second axis of rotation, athird gear being rotatable about a third axis of rotation offset thefirst axis of rotation and being via its inner surface in engagementwith the first gear, a fourth gear being rotatable about a fourth axisof rotation offset the second axis of rotation and being via its innersurface in engagement with the second gear, wherein the outer surface ofthe third gear is in engagement with the outer surface of the fourthgear.

Since the gears on the third and fourth axes of rotation only need to belarge enough to bridge the distance between the third and fourth axes ofrotation and since the third and fourth axes of rotation may be closerto each other than the first and second axes of rotation, due to thecontact of the inner surface of the gears on the third and fourth axeswith the outside surfaces of the gears on the first and second axes, thegears may be smaller and the thickness of the hinge frame may be smallerthan the thickness of the sections connected to the hinge.

The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation may, alongthe direction defined by the distance between the first and second axisof rotation, be positioned between the first and second axis ofrotation.

As long as the distance between the third and fourth axis small enoughit is conceivable that the third and fourth axes of rotation are offsetin the transverse direction in relation to a line between the first andsecond axes of rotation.

It should also be noted that the gears may be provided with teethmeshing into each other or with relatively smooth surfaces contactingeach other with friction being high enough to transmit the torquerequired for the synchronizing mechanism to be experienced as stable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to theappended schematic drawings, which shows examples of presently preferredembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile communications device in afirst closed position incorporating features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile communications device shownin FIG. 1 with housing components moved to an intermediate flipped openposition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile communications device shownin FIG. 1 with housing components moved to a 360 degree fully flippedopen and folded position;

FIG. 4 a is an perspective view of a hinge for the mobile communicationsdevice shown in FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 b is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the hinge;

FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of a frame member adapted to be connectedto the hinge;

FIG. 4 d is perspective view of a lock used in the hinge for locking thehinge at predetermined angles;

FIG. 4 e is a view of a conical gear system used for transferringrotational movement from a fist axis to a second axis.

FIG. 4 f is a side view of the lock in a friction controlled position.

FIG. 4 g is a side view of the lock in a locked predetermined position.

FIG. 4 h is a side view of the lock in a flip-over position.

FIG. 4 i is a side view of the lock in a locked predetermined position,wherein the lock comprises a release key for enabling further rotationbeyond the locked position.

FIG. 4 j is a side view of the lock in a locked position with a physicalstop for providing increased torque when rotating past the lockedposition.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe mobile communications device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeused in the mobile communications device shown in FIG. 1 with the hingeshown at a first closed position corresponding to the position shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeshown in FIG. 6 moved to a second intermediate position corresponding tothe position shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeshown in FIG. 6 moved to a third position corresponding to the positionshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a lock system of analternative embodiment of the hinge with the lock system shown in aposition corresponding to the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 6;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional view of the lock system as in FIG.9 shown in a position corresponding to the positions shown in FIGS. 2and 7;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the hinge as shown in FIG. 6 from anopposite side; and

FIG. 12 is an assembled view of the hinge as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeincorporating screws in engagement with a moving block;

FIG. 14 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeincorporating screws in engagement with a moving ball;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeincorporating two belts wound in opposite directions about the axes ofrotation of the hinge;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeincorporating two offset synchronizing axes and a connecting link;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 as view fromthe opposite direction.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the hingeincorporating two queues of spheres arranged in a path shaped as an 8.

FIG. 19 is a shows a design of involving the principle of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an enlargement of an alternative to the locking mechanismshown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 a is an exploded view of the synchronizing mechanism showing thesynchronizing members in plane view.

FIG. 21 b is an exploded view showing part of the synchronizing membersin perspective.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view showing a complete mobile communicationsdevice with a synchronizing mechanism in accordance with FIG. 21 a-b.

FIG. 23-25 show three different positions of the device in FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a view showing a locking mechanism in a locked position.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a locking mechanism of an alternativeembodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is schematic drawing showing forces and the sloped surfaces ofthe indentations and protuberances of the locking mechanism of FIG.26-29.

FIG. 31 is a graph showing the torque as a function of the displacementwhen the indentations and protuberances is forced to be disengaged.

FIG. 32 is a view in perspective showing a synchronizing membercomprising a U-shaped flexible shaft.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view showing a synchronizing mechanism comprisingtwo gears provided with internal and external teeth.

FIG. 34 is a cross-section showing the different axes of rotation andgears of the synchronizing mechanism of FIG. 33 as assembled.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the synchronizing mechanism of FIG. 33and FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an mobilecommunications device 10 incorporating features of the presentinvention. Although the present invention will be described withreference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it shouldbe understood that the present invention can be embodied in manyalternative forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shapeor type of elements or materials could be used.

In the embodiment shown, the mobile communications device 10 generallycomprises a mobile communicator, such as a mobile telephone. Inalternative embodiments, the mobile communications device could compriseany suitable type of mobile communicator, such as a device whichcomprises a pager function or a text transmission function.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the mobile communications device 10, in theembodiment shown, generally comprises a housing 12, a keypad 14, adisplay 16, a transceiver 18, a battery 20 and other componentsconventional to a mobile telephone, such as a microprocessor and anantenna. The housing 12 generally comprises a first section 22, a secondsection 24, and a connection 26 which movably connects the secondsection 24 to the first section 22. In the embodiment shown, the keypad14 is connected to the first section 22 of the housing. The display 16is connected to the second section 24 of the housing. In alternativeembodiments, the various mobile communications components of thetelephone 10 could be located in any one of the housing sections.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3, the housing 12 is movable into atleast three different configurations. FIG. 1 shows the housing 12 in aclosed, folded first configuration. In this closed, folded firstconfiguration the first and second sections 22, 24 are located adjacenteach other with the display 16 and keypad 14 facing each other. Thisprovides a compact folded configuration wherein the keypad 14 anddisplay 16 are not readily accessible to the user. In an alternativeembodiment, the first section 22 could comprise the display 16.

FIG. 2 shows the housing 12 in the first open position. Morespecifically, the connection 26 allows the second section 24 of thehousing to be flipped open about 180 degrees relative to the firstsection 22 of the housing as indicated by arrow 32. In the embodimentshown, the second section 24 is substantially aligned with the firstsection 22 and the connection 26. However, in alternative embodiments,the first open position could comprise the second section 24 beinglocated at an angle of less than 180 degrees, such as about 160 degreesfor example. This first open position allows the user to locate aspeaker or sound transducer 28 at the user's ear and a microphone 30proximate the user's mouth.

FIG. 3 shows the housing 12 in a second open position. Morespecifically, the connection 26 allows the second section 24 of thehousing to be folded over about another 180 degrees relative to thefirst section 22 of the housing as indicated by arrow 34. In this fullyopen 360 degree flipped position, the first and second sections 22, 24are collapsed against each other in the open folded position shown, butin a reverse orientation relative to the closed, folded position shownin FIG. 1. In this second open position, the keypad 14 is located at theexterior facing side of the first section 22 and the display 16 islocated at the opposite exterior facing side of the second section 24.In the folded fully open position shown in FIG. 3 a user can use themobile communications device 10 in a collapsed, folded configuration,for example such as when the mobile communications device comprises afeature which could comprise use of keys on the second section 24, orwhen the display 16 comprises a touch screen display.

Referring to FIG. 4 a, an outlined perspective view of a firstembodiment of the connection 26 of the mobile communications device 10is shown. The connection 26 generally comprises a synchronized rotation,multi-axis hinge 27 and an electrical flex conductor 48. The hinge 27generally comprises a hinge frame 36, synchronizing gears 40 a-d, andlocking means 41 for allowing the housing 12 to be locked in differentfixed positions as mentioned above.

The hinge frame 36 has a generally oval side profile. The hinge frame 36has a recess 42, shown in the exploded view in FIG. 4 b, for receivingtwo hinge members in form of hinge pins 43 a, 43 b with synchronizinggears 40 a, 40 b attached thereto, and a third hinge pin 43 c with twosynchronizing gears 40 c, 40 d attached thereto. The gears 40 a-d have aconical or truncated conical shape and are interlockingly connected toeach other by their teeth and grooves (not shown for the sake ofclarity) in a manner known per se. The two hinge pins 43 a, 43 b areattached to a first and second frame member 44 a, 44 b, shown in moredetail in FIG. 4 c. The frame members 44 a, 44 b are preferably arrangedto cover the entrance to the recess 42, wherein the frame members 44 a,44 b will prevent dust from entering the recess, which otherwise couldimperil the function of the hinge 27 by interfering with theinterlocking engagement of the teeth and grooves of the gears 40 a-d.The first frame member 44 a is fixedly attached to the first section 22of the housing. The second frame member 44 b is fixedly attached to thesecond section 24 of the housing.

With the gears 40 a, 40 b mounted on the hinge pins 43 a, 43 b, thegears 40 a, 40 b are fixedly attached to the frame members 44 a, 44 bfor synchronized rotation of the frame members 44 a, 44 b relative toeach other. It is appreciated in this context that the hinge pins 43 a,43 b may be attached directly to the first and second sections 22, 24 ofthe housing, wherein the frame members 44 a, 44 b may be omitted.

The gears 40 a-d hence form synchronization members to assist insynchronizing movement of the first and second sections 22, 24 relativeto each other.

Because the hinge frame 36 comprises a general oval shaped side profile,the hinge frame 36 is able to span the gap between the connection areaswith the frame members 42, 44 when the first and second sections 22, 24are configured in their folded, thicker configuration shown in FIGS. 1and 3. However, the hinge frame 36 is able to vertically align with thefirst and second sections 22, 24 when they are reconfigured into thesmaller thickness intermediate flipped open position shown in FIG. 2.This provides the mobile communications device with a slimmer thicknessprofile at the hinge 27 when the device is arranged in an intermediateflipped open position. This helps to match the thickness of therepositioned hinge frame with the thicknesses of the housing sections22, 24; or at least prevents the hinge from significantly stand out.This provides for a better appearance of the device when flipped open tothe intermediate flipped open position. Alternatively, the hinge frame36 can provide a relatively innocuous hinge transition between the firstand second sections 22, 24 if the intermediate flipped open position isless than 180 degrees.

FIG. 4 d is a perspective exploded view of the locking means 41according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can beseen from the figure the locking means 41 is preferably formed by one ormore planar cut-outs 41 a on an otherwise cylindrical thickened portion45 of the hinge pin 43 c, and a spring loaded control part 41 b which ispressed against the thickened portion 45. The friction between thethickened portion 45 and the control part 41 b provides a controlledtorsional resistance in the hinge 27, wherein the folding and unfoldingof the mobile communications device 10 will be perceived by a user asfirm and not flimsy (which might be perceived from e.g. a flip phonewhich opens and closes too easily). In order to achieve the desiredtorsional resistance between the thickened portion 45 and the controlpart 41 b, the material used for the contact surface of the control part41 b may be rubber, plastic, or any other suitable polymer material, ornatural material such as cork. The thickened portion 45 may be integralwith the hinge pin 43 c or arranged on the surface thereof, and may bemade of plastic or any other suitable material such as rubber or metal.

When the control part 41 b, during rotation of the thickened portion 45,engages one of the planar cut-outs 41 a, the spring-loaded control part41 b will protrude into the recess formed by the planar cut-out 41 a inthe otherwise cylindrical surface. The force needed to push the controlpart 41 b out of the planar cut-out 41 a when the thickened portion isrotated is greater than the force needed to overcome the frictionbetween the control part 41 b and the surface of the thickened portion45. Hence a distinct locking of the first and second section 22, 23 atpredetermined angles relative each other is achieved by providing one ormore planar cut-outs at predetermined locations on the periphery of thethickened portion 45.

FIGS. 4 f-4 j is a more detailed illustration of the function of thelocking means 41. In FIG. 4 e the locking means 41 is in a frictioncontrolled position, wherein the control part 41 b engages the thickenedportion 45 and provides a controlled frictional resistance of the hinge27. FIG. 4 g illustrates the lock in a locked position, wherein thecontrol part 41 b engages the planar cut-out in the thickened portion45. FIG. 4 h illustrates the lock in a position between the lockedposition and the friction controlled position.

FIG. 4 i illustrates yet an embodiment of the lock, wherein a releasekey is added to the construction in order to provide a firm stop at apredetermined angle, e.g. 165 degrees, and at the same time enabling auser of the mobile communications device 10 to continue the rotation ofthe two sections 22, 24 beyond the lock position. In order to do so theuser of the mobile communications device 10 pushes the release key tothe right in the figure for withdrawing the control part 41 b from theplanar cut-out 41 a. A further rotation is then possible. FIG. 4 jillustrates yet another embodiment for providing a firm stop at apredetermined angle. A shoulder formed at the junction between theplanar cut-out 41 a and the cylindrical portion of the thickened portion45 provides an increased torque when a user tries to rotate the first 22and second 24 sections beyond the locking position. No release key ishence needed in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 e is a more detailed view of the hinge according to the presentinvention. The hinge pin 43 a is connected to the frame member 44 a ordirectly to the first section 22 of the mobile communications device 10.The conical gear 40 a, arranged on the first hinge pin 43 a, engages theconical gear 40 c which is arranged on the third hinge pin 43 c. If thefirst section 22 is rotated, the rotational movement will consequentlybe transferred from the first hinge pin 43 a to the third hinge pin 43 cby means of the mechanical coupling between the gears 40 a and 40 c. Theconical gear 40 d, which also is arranged on the third hinge pin 43 c,will rotate together with the conical gear 40 c. The conical gear 40 dengages the conical gear 40 b which is arranged on the second hinge pin40 b and hence transfers any rotational movement from the third hingepin 43 c to the second hinge pin 43 b. The rotational movement initiatedby the turning of the first hinge pin 43 a is hence transferred to thesecond hinge pin 43 b via the third hinge pin 43 c.

The first section 22 of the mobile communications device 10 is by thearrangement disclosed above adapted to rotate relative to the hingesubstantially in unison with rotation of the second section 24 relativeto the hinge 27. In a preferred embodiment the gears 40 a-d are of thesame size, wherein the two sections 22, 24 are rotated by the sameamount relative to the hinge 27. It is, however, equally possible toprovide gears 40 a-d of different sizes, wherein the first and secondsections 22, 24 will rotate an unequal amount relative to the hinge 27.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the mobile communications device 10 is shown. Theconnection 26 generally comprises a synchronized rotation, multi-axishinge 27 and an electrical flex conductor 48. The hinge 27 generallycomprises a hinge frame 36, two hinge modules or pins 38, synchronizinggears 40, two frame members 44 a, 44 b, and a dust cover 46. The hingeframe 36 has a general oval side profile. The hinge frame 36 comprisestwo parallel pin receiving areas 50. The hinge frame 36 also comprises arecess 52 at the entrance to the pin receiving areas 50.

The hinge modules 38 are rotatably located in the receiving areas 50.Front portions 54 have a keyed shape to be received in key shapedapertures 56 of the gears 40. The gears 40 are interlockingly connectedto each other by their teeth and grooves. With the gears 40 mounted onthe front portions 54 of the hinge modules 38, the gears 40 are fixedlyattached to the hinge modules 38 for synchronized rotation of the hingemodules 38 relative to each other. The gears 40 are located in therecess 52 of the hinge frame 36. The gears 40 form synchronizationmembers to assist in synchronizing movement of the hinge frame 36relative to movement of the first and second sections 22, 24 relative toeach other. The hinge modules could be commercially available products.The hinge modules could comprise an internal detent system.

The front portions 54 of the hinge modules 38 are also connected to ends58 the frame members 44 a, 44 b. Specifically, a first one of the hingemodules 38 is fixedly and stationarily connected to the front portion 54of the first frame member 44 a and, a second one of the hinge modules 38is fixedly and stationarily connected to the front portion 54 of thesecond frame member 44 b. The dust cover 46 is preferably locatedbetween the gears 40 and the frame members 42, 44. The dust cover 46helps to prevent dust or debris from entering into the receiving areas50 of the hinge frame 36 and interfered with the interlocking engagementof the teeth and grooves of the gears 40. In the embodiment shown,opposite ends 60 of the frame members 42, 44 are pivotably connected topivot sections 66 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) extending from the hinge frame36.

The first frame member 44 a is fixedly and stationarily attached to thefirst section 22 of the housing. The second frame member 44 b is fixedlyand stationarily attached to the second section 24 of the housing.

FIG. 6 shows the hinge 27 at a first position corresponding to theclosed position of the mobile communications device shown in FIG. 1. Thedust cover 46 is not shown in FIGS. 6-8 for the sake of clarity. Thediscussion below will be made with reference to the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 5, but it is appreciated that the samereasoning is applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a. As can beseen, the second frame member 44 b is located adjacent the front side ofthe first frame member 44 a.

When the second section 24 of the housing is moved from the closedposition shown in FIG. 1 to the intermediate flipped open position shownin FIG. 2 the two frame members 44 a, 44 b are repositioned relative toeach other as shown in FIG. 7. Because the hinge modules 38 arestationarily connected to respective ones of the frame members 44 a, 44b and the gears 40 are stationarily connected to the hinge modules 38,the hinge frame 36 rotates about 90 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 6 to the positions shown in FIG. 7. The hinge modules 38 alsorotating about 90 degrees relative to each other, but the two framemembers 44 a, 44 b rotate about 180 degrees relative to each other.

Because the hinge frame 36 comprises a general oval shaped side profile,the hinge frame 36 is able to span the gap between the connection areaswith the frame members 44 a, 44 b when the first and second sections 22,24 are configured in their folded, thicker configuration shown in FIGS.1 and 3. However, the hinge frame 36 is able to vertical align with thefirst and second sections 22, 24 when they are reconfigured into thesmaller thickness intermediate flipped open position shown in FIG. 2.This provides the mobile communications device with a slimmer thicknessprofile at the hinge 27 when the device in at the intermediate flippedopen position. This helps to match the thickness of the repositionedhinge frame with the thicknesses of the housing sections 22, 24; or atleast not significantly stand out. This provides for a better appearanceof the device when flipped open to the intermediate flipped openposition. Alternatively, the hinge frame 36 can provide a relativelyinnocuous hinge transition between the first and second sections 22, 24if the intermediate flipped open position is less than 180 degrees.

When the second section 24 of the housing is moved from the intermediateflipped open position shown in FIG. 2 to the 360 degree fully flippedopen and folded position shown in FIG. 3, the two frame members 44 a, 44b are reposition relative to each other as shown in FIG. 8. The secondframe member 44 b is located against the rear side of the first framemember 44 a. Because the hinge modules 38 are stationarily connected torespective ones of the frame members 44 a, 44 b and the gears 40 arestationarily connected to the hinge modules 38, the hinge frame 36rotates another 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 7 to theposition shown in FIG. 8. The hinge modules 38 also rotating another 90degrees relative to each other, but the two frame members 44 a, 44 brotate about 180 degrees relative to each other. The two frame members44 a, 44 b are rotated about 360 degrees from the position shown in FIG.6 to the position shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the mobile communicationsdevice 10 can be reconfigured from the folded closed position shown inFIG. 1 to the 360 degree fully flipped open and folded position shown inFIG. 3.

Referring back to FIG. 4 a or 5, as noted above the connection 26comprises a flex conductor 48, such as a flexible printed circuit. Theflex conductor 48 connects electronic circuitry in the first section 22with electronic circuitry in the second section 24. The flex conductor48 extends across the hinge connection. In one embodiment, the hingeframe 36 could comprise a receiving area for receiving a portion of theflex conductor 48. In an alternative embodiment, the flex conductor 48could be mounted on an exterior side of the hinge frame 36.

The present invention provides for a totally new concept for a differenttype of a flip phone. A mobile telephone incorporating features of thepresent invention can comprise a 360 degree turn of one housing sectionrelative to another housing section. The present invention can provide a360 degree hinge and, more specifically, a new synchronizing mechanismwhich can be integrated into the hinge of the foldable device. Onehousing section of the device can be turned 360 degrees around anotherhousing section of the device smoothly and synchronized with movement ofthe hinge frame.

The hinge synchronization mechanism can consist of a hinge frame, two orfour synchronizing gears, two hinge modules or pins, and a dust shield.When turning the hinge from a closed start position, the synchronizinggears are connected to each other and both hinge axes are rotatingsimilar angles. Both axes are rotated equally about 180 degrees. Thepresent invention provides a controlled and synchronized 360 degreehinged movement. With the present invention, the usability of theproduct is approved. The present invention provides a robust and compactconstruction, and dust and particles are prevented entry to themechanism.

In order to maintain relative position of the first and second sections22, 24 relative to each other, the hinge 27 could comprise sufficientfrictional resistance to movement as is known in the art, such as afriction pack. Referring also to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternativeembodiment of a system for detent locating of the first and secondsections relative to each other is shown. In this embodiment, the hingecomprises a leaf spring 62. The hinge modules 38 include exterior flatsurfaces 64. FIG. 9 shows the interaction between the spring 62 and theexterior surfaces of the hinge on modules 38. In this position, thedetent spring 62 is deflected by contact with the exterior surfaces ofthe hinge modules 38.

The position shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the configuration of themobile communications device as shown in FIG. 1. The flat surfaces 64are spaced from the spring 62. When the mobile communications device isreconfigured to the position shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 10 theflat surfaces 64 comes into registration with the detent spring 62. Thedetent spring 62 returns to an undeflected position to form a biasingdetent to hold the first and second sections 22, 24 at the intermediateflipped open position shown in FIG. 2. In alternative embodiment, anysuitable type of detent configuration positioning system could beprovided. For example, in one type of alternative embodiment, the hingemodules 38 could comprise an internal detent system, such as when thehinge modules each comprise more than a single member.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a view of the hinge 27 of FIGS. 4-8 isshown from the opposite side. In this embodiment the flex conductor 48is mounted to the interior side of the hinge frame. The hinge frame 36has the two pivot sections 66 extending from the opposite side 70. Eachpivot section 66 has a centre channel 72. The hinge frame 36 includes aslot 68 into the side 70. The slot extends through the pivot sections 66and connects the two centre channels 72 to each other. The flexconductor 48 has a centre portion 74 and two end portions 76. The centreportion is inserted into the slot 68 and extends out of the two centrechannels 72. The end portions 76 extend in opposite directions onceexiting the centre channels 72. The two end portions 76 of the flexconductor are attached to circuitry in the first and second sections 22,24. The flex conductor 48 is bendable as the first and second sections22, 24 move relative to each other. The relatively long length of theflex conductor 48 helps to prevent metal fatigue of the conductors andfailure of the flexible insulating substrate in the flex conductor 48.

The flex conductor 48 is inserted into the slot 68 before the framemembers 42, 44 are attached to the pivot sections 66. In the embodimentshown, the frame members 44 a, 44 b have slots 78 from the mountingapertures 80 which help to mount the frame members 44 a, 44 b over theflex conductor 48 as shown in FIG. 11. Once assembled, the frame members44 a, 44 b block exit of the centre portion 74 from the centre of theslot 68 to thereby keep the assembly together. However, in alternativeembodiments, any suitable type of assembly retainment system could beprovided.

Frame members 44 a, 44 b are very useful when assembling and for robustconstruction. However, in an alternative embodiment the frame members 44a, 44 b might not be provided. As mentioned above, it is possible tomount the hinge frame and synchronizing mechanism directly to thehousing sections 22, 24. The present invention can be adapted to providefurther electronic circuitry; such as a camera, a Mp3-player, a radio orthe like, in the hinge frame 36. A power plug and/or other externalconnector can alternatively or additionally be integrated into the hingeframe 36. In alternative embodiments, electrical connection through thehinge between the folds to the housing sections 22, 24 can be providedby any suitable electrical connection, such as done by a metal slideconnection or by pin connectors. Both solutions can be based on themetal connection pads being on the two folds and a spring connectorwhich touches the connection pads.

The electric device according to the invention may comprise a firstsection having a keypad, a second section having a display, and aconnection movably connecting the second section with the first section,wherein the connection comprises a first axis of rotation with the firstsection, an offset second axis of rotation with the second section, andsynchronizing members which rotate the first section relative to theconnection in unison with rotation of the second section relative to theconnection. The mobile communications device may have a transceiverlocated in one of the first or second sections. The first and secondsections may comprise a first position with the keypad and display beingclosed by the first and second sections, a second position with thesecond section rotated about 180 degrees relative to the first section,and a third position with the second section rotated about 360 degreesrelative to the first section and having the keypad and display locatedon opposite exterior facing sides of the mobile communications device.

The connection may comprises a hinge frame having a general oval sideprofile and two parallel pin receiving holes and the hinge frame maycomprise a recess for receiving the synchronizing members. Thesynchronizing members comprises two gears connected to each other. Theconnection may comprise two hinge pins rotatably mounted in the pinreceiving holes, each hinge pin having one of the gears connectedthereto, and each hinge pin being stationarily connected to a respectiveone of the first and second sections.

The mobile communications device may further comprise a flex circuitextending across the connection and electrically connecting electroniccircuitry in the first section to electronic circuitry in the secondsection.

The connection may comprise a detent locating system for lockingposition of the second section relative to the first section at anintermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degreefully open position.

According to an embodiment of the invention a mobile communicationsdevice may comprise a housing, a transceiver in the housing, a keypadconnected to the housing, and a display connected to the housing,wherein the housing may comprise a first section movably connected to asecond section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a firstaxis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of thehousing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided atthe second section of the housing, and wherein the hinge comprises meansfor synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative tothe hinge through a path of about 360 degrees.

The first and second sections of the mobile communications device maycomprise a first position with the keypad and display being closed bythe first and second sections, a second position with the second sectionrotated about 180 degrees relative to the first section such that thefirst section is substantially inline with the second section and ahinge frame of the hinge, and a third position with the second sectionrotated about 360 degrees relative to the first section and having thekeypad and display located on opposite exterior facing sides of themobile communications device.

The hinge of the mobile communications device may comprise a hinge framehaving a general oval side profile and two parallel pin receiving holes.The means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sectionsrelative to the hinge in the mobile communications device may comprisegears connected to each other. The hinge of the mobile communicationsdevice may comprise two hinge pins rotatably mounted in the pinreceiving holes, each hinge pin having one of the gears connectedthereto, and each hinge pin being stationarily connected to a respectiveone of the first and second sections.

The mobile communications device may further comprise a flex circuitextending across the hinge and electrically connecting electroniccircuitry in the first section to electronic circuitry in the secondsection.

The connection in the mobile communications device may comprise a detentlocating system for locking position of the second section relative tothe first section at an intermediate position between a fully closedposition and a 360 degree fully open position.

The mobile communications device may comprise a housing having a firstsection, a second section, and a synchronized rotation multi-axis hingeconnection connecting the first section with the second section; atransceiver located in the housing; a key pad connected to the housing;a display connected to the housing; and a flex conductor extendingacross the hinge connection and coupling electronic circuitry in thefirst section of the housing with electronic circuitry in the secondsection of the housing, wherein the synchronized rotation multi-axishinge connection may comprise a hinge frame; two hinge pins rotatablymounted in the hinge frame; synchronizing gears connecting the hingepins to each other; a first frame member fixedly connecting a first oneof the hinge pins to the first section of the housing; a second framemember fixedly connecting a second one of the hinge pins to the secondsection of the housing, and wherein the second section of the housingmay be adapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the first sectionof the housing.

The connection of the mobile communications device may comprise a detentlocating system for locking position of the second section relative tothe first section at an intermediate position at about 180 degrees ofrotation between a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully openposition.

The first and second sections of the mobile communications device maycomprise a first position with the keypad and display being closed bythe first and second sections, a second position with the second sectionrotated about 180 degrees relative to the first section, and a thirdposition with the second section rotated about 360 degrees relative tothe first section and having the keypad and display located on oppositeexterior facing sides of the mobile communications device. The hingeframe of the mobile communications device may have a general oval sideprofile and two parallel pin receiving holes.

As shown in FIG. 13, the hinge according to this aspect basicallycomprises two screw gears 90 a, 90 b and a block 94 in engagement withthe two screw gears 90 a, 90 b. Each of the two screw gears 90 a, 90 bis provided with a protrusion 92 a, 92 b extending along a screw lineabout the envelope surface. One of the screw gears 90 a is provided witha protrusion 92 a extending along a left handed screw line and the other90 b is provided with a protrusion 92 b extending along a right handedscrew line. One of the screw gears 90 a extends along the axis ofrotation one of the elements connected to the hinge and the other screwgear 90 b extends along the axis of rotation of the other of theelements connected to the hinge. The two screw gears 90 a, 90 b arenon-rotatably fastened to respective one of the two elements. Thus, thefirst screw gear 90 a is adapted to rotate with the first element andthe second screw gear 90 b is adapted to rotate with the second element.

The block 94 forms a synchronizing member. The block 92 is provided withthrough-going openings 96 a, 96 b. Each of the openings 96 a, 96 b isprovided with an internal thread 98 a, 98 b. The screw gears 90 a, 90 bextend through the openings 96 a, 96 b such that the protrusions 92 a,92 b of the screw gears 90 a, 90 b engage the internal threads 98 a, 98b of the block 94.

When the user of the device being provided with the hinge moves the twoelements towards or away from each other the two screw gears are forcedto experience a relative rotation to each other in opposite directions.Since the block 94 engages both of the two screw gears this relativerotation will force the block 94 to move along the screw gears 90 a, 90b. Since the movement of the block 94 along a screw gear 90 a, 90 b isdetermined by the rotation of the screw gear 90 a, 90 b relative to theblock 94, the screw gears 90 a, 90 b will, since they have the samepitch, experience the same amount of rotation, but in oppositedirections, relative to the block 94 when they are moved towards or awayfrom each other. The result is that the relative rotation between thetwo elements connected to the hinge is divided into two equal rotations;one half being the rotation of the first element relative to the hingeand the second half being the rotation of the second element relative tothe hinge.

The hinge further comprises a casing 100 in which the block 94 isadapted to slide along the screw gears 90 a, 90 b as they are rotated.The hinge further comprises a guide member 102 and hinge locks 104 a,104 b. The guide member 102 is provided with two shafts 102 a, 102 bextending concentrically with the screw gears 90 a, 90 b and beingadapted to extend a portion into holes along the axes of rotation of thescrew gears 90 a, 90 b. The hinge locks 104 a, 104 b are adapted toengage the screw gears 90 a, 90 b and provide a number of distinctrotational positions in which the hinge may be locked. Preferredpositions may e.g. be 0°, about 135°, 180°, about 225° and 360°.

In accordance with another embodiment the moving member is, as shown inFIG. 14, shaped as a sphere 106. The screw gears 108 a, 108 b are eachprovided with a groove 110 a, 110 b extending along a screw line aboutthe envelope surface of respective screw gear 108 a, 108 b. The sphereshaped member 106 is caught between the screw gears 108 a, 108 b andrests partly in a groove 110 a of the first screw gear 108 a and partlyin a groove 110 b of the second screw gear 108 b. When the screw gears108 a, 108 b are rotated in relation to each other, the sphere will movealong longitudinal direction of the screw gears 108 a, 108 b. Thegrooves. 110 a, 110 b will engage the sphere 106 and will, since theyhave the same pitch force the two screw gears 108 a, 108 b to rotate thesame amount in relation to the sphere 106 and thus also the same amountin relation to the hinge body 112.

As shown in FIG. 15, the hinge according to this aspect basicallycomprises two pins or shafts 120 a, 120 b, which each are adapted to benon-rotatably connected to a section of a mobile communications device.The first shaft 120 a supports a first sleeve 122. The second shaft 120b supports a second and a third sleeve 123, 124. The first sleeve 122 isprovided with a first and a second reel-up surface 126 a, 126 b. Thesecond sleeve 123 is provided with a third reel-up surface 126 c. Thethird sleeve 124 is provided with a fourth reel-up surface 126 d.

A first belt 128 is wound up onto the first and third reel-up surfaces126 a, 126 c. The belt 128 is wound up onto the first reel-up surface126 a in a first direction such that counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst sleeve 122 will wound up the belt 128 onto the first reel-upsurface 126 a. The belt 128 is further wound up onto the third reel-upsurface 126 c in the first direction such that counter-clockwiserotation of the second sleeve 123 will wound up the belt 128 onto thethird reel-up surface 126 c. Rotation of the first or the second sleeve122, 123 in the clockwise direction will result in the first belt 128being wound off that sleeve.

A second belt 130 is would up onto the second and fourth reel-upsurfaces 126 b, 126 d. The belt 130 is wound up onto the second reel-upsurface 126 b in a second direction such that clockwise rotation of thefirst sleeve 122 will wound up the belt 130 onto the second reel-upsurface 126 b. The belt 130 is further wound up onto the fourth reel-upsurface 126 d in the second direction such that clockwise rotation ofthe third sleeve 124 will wound up the belt 130 onto the fourth reel-upsurface 126 d. Rotation of the first or the third sleeve 122, 124 in thecounter-clockwise direction will result in the second belt 130 beingwound off that sleeve.

The sleeves 122, 123, 124 are connected to respective shaft 120 a, 120 bsuch that the sleeves 122, 123, 124 will rotate with the shafts 120 a,120 b.

Consequently, when an user pull the sections of the mobilecommunications device apart or push them towards each other, the shafts120 a, 120 b will rotate with the sections. The belts 128, 130 willforce the shafts 120 a, 120 b to experience the same amount of rotation.

When the first shaft 120 a is rotated in relation to the hinge body 132in the counter-clockwise direction, the first sleeve 122 will be rotatedwith the first shaft 120 a in the counter-clockwise direction and thefirst belt 128 will be further wound onto the first reel-up surface 126a. The second belt 130 will at the same time be wound off the secondreel-up surface 126 b. The first belt 128 will be pulled by the woundingup onto the first reel-up surface 126 a. The amount of the first belt128 being wound up onto the first reel-up surface 126 a need to becompensated for. The first belt 128 will consequently force the secondsleeve 123 to rotate in the clockwise direction such that a portion ofthe belt 128 wound up onto the third reel-up surface 126 c is wound offto compensate for the amount or portion of the belt 128 being wound uponto the first reel-up surface 126 a. The second shaft 120 b will rotatewith the second sleeve 123. Consequently, any rotation of the firstshaft 120 a in the counter-clockwise direction will be translated to aclockwise rotation of the second shaft 120 b of the same magnitude orangular amplitude. Moreover, any rotation of the second shaft 120 b inthe counter-clockwise direction will be translated to a clockwiserotation of the first shaft 120 a of the same magnitude or angularamplitude.

The second belt 130 is in a similar manner wound onto the second andfourth reel-up surfaces 126 b, 126 d on the first and third sleeve 122,123, respectively. The second belt 130 is wound onto the second reel-upsurface 126 b such that it will be wound further onto the second reel-upsurface 126 b when the first sleeve 122 is rotated in the clockwisedirection and be wound off the second reel-up surface 126 b when thefirst sleeve 122 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction.Correspondingly, the second belt 130 is wound onto the third sleeve 124such that it will be wound further onto the fourth reel-up surface 126 dwhen the third sleeve 124 is rotated in the clockwise direction and bewound off the fourth reel-up surface 126 d when the third sleeve 124 isrotated in the counter-clockwise direction. The second shaft 120 b willrotate with the third sleeve 124. Consequently, any rotation of thefirst shaft 120 a in the clockwise direction will be translated to acounter-clockwise rotation of the second shaft 120 b of the samemagnitude or angular amplitude. Moreover, any rotation of the secondshaft 120 b in the clockwise direction will be translated to acounter-clockwise rotation of the first shaft 120 a of the samemagnitude or angular amplitude.

The first belt 128 is wound about the first and second reel-up surfaces126 a, 126 b such that in any circumstances there is always at least180° of total angle of contact or winding angle for the first belt 128about the first reel-up surface 126 a and about the third reel-upsurface 126 c, at least 180° of total angle of contact of winding anglefor the second belt 130 about the second reel-up surface 126 b and aboutthe fourth reel-up surface 126 d. If the belts are wound about thereel-up surfaces such that the first belt 128 is wound 180° about thefirst reel-up surface 126 a when the second belt is wound 180° about thefourth reel-up surface 126 d, each belt need only have a total contactangle of 180°. It is preferred to wound the belts 128, 130 such thatthey always are wound to some extent about every single one of thereel-up surfaces 126 a-d. This design will allow for errors in mountingof the sleeves 122, 123, 124 and will facilitate fastening of the belts128, 130 to the sleeves 122, 123, 124. Consequently, the belts 128, 130will at least display a total angle of contact being 180° plus theadditional angles of contact suitable for easy fastening to the sleevesat both ends of respective belt. When the sections of the mobilecommunications device, such as mobile communications device, is rotated360° in relation to each other, in a direction with a rotation of thefirst shaft 120 a in the clockwise direction, the first belt 128 willhave decreased its angle of contact about the first reel-up surface 126a with 180° and the it will have increased its angle of contact aboutthe third reel-up surface 126 c with 180°. At the same time the secondbelt 130 will have increased its angle of contact about the secondreel-up surface with 180° and the it will have decreased its angle ofcontact about the fourth reel-up surface 126 d with 180°.

The second sleeve 123 is rotationally tensioned by a torsion spring 134in relation to the second shaft 120 b in the counter-clockwisedirection, i.e. the direction in which the first belt 128 is woundfurther onto the third reel-up surface 126 b of the second sleeve 123.The third sleeve is fixed relative to the second shaft 120 b using a pin136, a spline joint, a wedge joint or the like. The sleeve 122 is fixedrelative to the first shaft 120 a using a pin 138, a spline joint, awedge joint or the like. The position of the first shaft 120 a may belocked in a number of predetermined positions. The design of the lockingmechanism will be disclosed in more detail below. The second sleeve 123will due to the tensioning from the spring 134 be urged to rotate in thecounter-clockwise direction and the and the second shaft 120 b will beurged to rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotation of the secondsleeve 123 will be stopped when there is no slack in the first belt 128.The rotation of the second shaft 120 b will be stopped when there is noslack in the second belt 130. Thus, the second shaft 120 b willexperience a rotation in relation to the first shaft 120 a correspondingto the slack of the second belt 130. The second sleeve 123 willexperience a rotation in relation to the second shaft 120 bcorresponding to the total slack in the belts (the slack in the firstbelt 128 will be compared with the nominal position of the second shaft120 b plus the slack of the second belt 130 giving the actual positionof the second shaft 120 b).

In order to lock the first and second shaft 120 a, 120 b in relation toeach other in certain predetermined angular positions, the hinge isprovided with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises tworings 140, 142 which are mounted onto one of the shafts 120 a. The rings140, 142 are provided with protrusions and indentations extending in theaxial direction, such that protrusions of the first ring 140 is adaptedto engage with indentations of the second ring 142, and vice versa. Theprotrusions and/or indentations are wedge-shaped by slanting the wallsextending in the axial direction such that the circumferential extensionof an indentation is larger at the opening than at the bottom and/orsuch that the protrusions have larger circumferential extension at thebase than at the top. The locking mechanism further comprises acompression spring 144 adapted to push the two rings 140, 142 towardseach other in axial direction and a ring retaining arm 146 adapted torotationally fix one of the rings 140 in relation to the hinge body. Theother ring 142 is rotationally fixed to the first shaft 120 a. Theretaining arm 146 is provided with an through-going opening throughwhich the second shaft 120 b extends. Since the shafts 120 a, 120 b doesnot translate in relation to each other, the retaining arm 146 will thusprevent the first ring 140 from rotating in relation to the hinge body.When the user rotates the two shafts 120 a, 120 b in relation to eachother the protrusions and indentations of the two rings 140, 142 willdue to its angle of wedge force the first ring 140 to move axiallycounteracting the force of the compression spring until the rings arepushed apart such that the protrusions and indentations no longer engageeach other. It will require a certain force to counteract thecompression spring. The protrusions of the first ring 140 willthereafter abut the protrusions of the second ring 142 and the shafts120 a, 120 b may be rotated without any significant resistance. When theshafts 120 a, 120 b are rotated such that the are close to a desiredlocking position protrusions of the first ring 140 will begin to engagethe indentations of the second ring 142 and vice versa and will due tothe angle of wedge of protrusions and the indentations and thecompression spring slide towards the second ring 142 and at the sametime force the two shafts 120 a, 120 b to be placed in a rotationalposition where the indentations and protrusions fully engage each other.

With this design the user will experience that the mobile communicationsdevice have certain predetermined positions in which the device isstable. The device will furthermore have a tendency to enter a stableposition if it is positioned in close proximity of this position.

As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the hinge comprises a hinge bodydefining a first axis of rotation 150 a for the first hinge member 152and a second axis of rotation 150 b for the second hinge member 154.Each hinge 152, 154 member is formed by two elements 152 a, 152 b; 154a, 154 b on either side of the hinge body 150.

The first hinge member 152 is provided with a first shaft 162 defining afirst synchronizing axis. The second hinge member 154 is provided with asecond shaft 164 defining a second synchronizing axis. The first shaft162 is arranged offset the first axis of rotation a distance A. Thesecond shaft 164 is arranged offset the second axis of rotation adistance B. The distance B is the same as distance A but is directed inthe opposite direction.

A connecting link 166 adapted to connect the first and secondsynchronizing axes with each other. The connecting link 166 is providedwith two openings 168 a, 168 b into which the first and second shafts162, 164 are adapted to extend. The connecting link 166 is adapted tomaintain a fixed offset distance between the first and secondsynchronizing axes 162, 164 along the connecting link 166.

The hinge body 150 is be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distancebetween the first and second axes of rotation 150 a, 150 b.

Since any rotation of any of the hinge members (e.g. the first hingemember 15) will give a translation of the synchronizing axis (i.e. thefirst synchronizing axis 162) the link 166 will force the othersynchronizing axis (i.e. the second synchronizing axis 164) to translatethe same distance and in the same direction. The link 166 will assure afixed distance between the synchronizing axes 162, 164 and since thetranslation is produced by rotation about two offset axis 150 a, 150 band since the offset distance A, B of each hinge member is the same, thetranslation of the second synchronizing axis 164 is forced to the sameamount and in the same direction. Since the synchronizing axes 162, 164are offset in opposite directions in relation to respective axis ofrotation 150 a, 150 b the translation of the latter synchronizing axis(i.e. the second synchronizing axis 164) will force the associated hingemember (i.e. the second hinge member 154) to rotate in the directionopposite the direction compared to the first hinge member 152.

The hinge is further provided with a central guiding pin 170 adapted tobe partly inserted into a circular opening 172 in the connecting link166 and into a long hole 174 in the hinge body 150.

The mobile communications device is provided with an electric wiringelectrically connecting the two sections of the device. An embodiment ofthis electric wiring is shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15.

The electric wiring is formed by a flex circuit 170 extending across thehinge and electrically connecting electronic circuitry in the firstsection to electronic circuitry in the second section. The electroniccircuitry in the first and second sections are connected to the flexcircuit using suitable conventional connections 172, 174.

The flex circuit 170 wound about the first axis of rotation 90 a; 120 ain a first direction and about the second axis of rotation 90 b; 120 balso in the first direction. The flex circuit 170 is wound about thefirst and second axis of rotation 90 a, 90 b; 120 a, 120 b in a totalwinding angle of at least 180°. Thereby there will always be enoughcircuit to allow a total mutual rotation of 360° of the hinge membersand the axes of rotation. When the first axis rotates 180° and wound off180° flex circuit, the second axis will rotate 180° and wound up thecorresponding amount of flex circuit, thus allowing a total of 360°mutual rotation of the hinge members.

The flex circuit 170 is provided with a winding portion 170 a in whichthe flex circuit 170 displays the above described windings. The ends ofthe winding portion 170 a of the flex circuit 170 enters intolongitudinal slots 176 a, 176 b in the screw gears 90 a, 90 b or theshafts 120 a, 120 b. The longitudinal slots 176 a, 176 b extend radiallyinto the screw gears 90 a, 90 b or the shafts 120 a, 120 b. The flexcircuit 170 is further provided with two connector portions 170 b, 170 cextending longitudinally, i.e. along the winding axes, from the ends ofthe winding portion 170 a. The connector portions 170 b, 170 c extendoutside the winding portion 170 a to allow the above mentionedconnections 172, 174 to be connected to the flex circuit 170 outside thewinding portion 170 a, such that they will not interfere with thewinding function of the flex circuit 170.

As shown in FIG. 18 a first set of spheres (denoted with a dot atrespective centre point) are arranged side by side along a first path181 and a second set of spheres (denoted with a + at respective centrepoint) are arranged side by side along a second path 182.

The hinge is provided with a first cylinder 185 a non-rotatablyconnected to the first section of the mobile communications device androtatably about the first axis of rotation 180 a and a second cylinder185 b non-rotatably connected to the second section of the mobilecommunications device and rotatably about the second axis of rotation180 b.

The first path 181 extends in a groove 186 a in the envelope surface ofthe first cylinder 185 a in clockwise direction, bridges the distance tothe second cylinder 185 b and continues in a groove 186 b in theenvelope surface of the second cylinder 185 b in counter-clockwisedirection.

The second path 182 extends in a groove 187 a in the envelope surface ofthe first cylinder 185 a in counter-clockwise direction, bridges thedistance to the second cylinder 185 b and continues in a groove 187 b inthe envelope surface of the second cylinder 185 b in clockwisedirection.

The grooves 185 a-b, 186 a-b extends not all the way around respectivecylinder 185 a, 185 b. Thus, the first path 181 extends from a stop 183a in the groove 186 a to a stop 183 b in the groove 186 b and the secondpath 182 extends from a stop 184 a in the groove 187 a to a stop 184 bin the groove 187 b.

When a user starts to change the position of the sections relative eachother in a first direction the spheres in one of the paths will transfera pressing force between the two sections such that they both arerotated the same angle about respective axis of rotations and therebythe same angle relative to the hinge frame oriented by the positions ofthe two axes of rotation. When changing the positions of the sectionsrelative to each other the spheres in the other path willcorrespondingly transfer a pressing force between the two sections.

When the first section is rotated in the clockwise direction about thefirst axis of rotation 180 a as indicated by the arrow the stop 183 a ofthe first cylinder 185 a will push the queue of spheres in the firstpath 181 in front of it. The queue of spheres in the first path 181 willthereby exert a pressure onto the stop 183 b of the second cylinder 185b and it will be rotated in the counter-clockwise direction about thesecond axis of rotation 180 b. If the second section is rotated in thecounter-clockwise direction about the second axis of rotation 180 b asindicated by the arrow the stop 184 b of the second cylinder 185 b willpush the queue of spheres in the second path 182 in front of it. Thequeue of spheres in the second path 182 will thereby exert a pressureonto the stop 184 a of the first cylinder 185 a and it will be rotatedin the clock-wise direction about first axis of rotation 180 a. If firstsection is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction the spheres in thesecond path 182 will be pushed towards and rotate the second cylinder185 b and if the second section is rotated in the clockwise directionthe spheres in the first path 181 will be pushed towards and rotate thefirst cylinder 185 a.

The paths 181 and 182 extend about the first and second cylinder to anextend enough for each cylinder to be turned 180° in relation to thehinge frame. In one end position one of the grooves of each cylinderdisplays its maximum and the other displays it minimum of winding angleand in the opposite end position it is the opposite. If each of thegrooves displays 180° between the maximum and minimum active windingangle the synchronizing members allow a synchronized movement over apath of 360° of relative motion between the first and second section ofthe mobile communications device. As shown in FIG. 19, the two paths 181and 182 are offset each other in the axial direction in order to form aFIG. 8 without interfering with each other.

As shown in FIG. 19, the synchronizing mechanism is provided with alocking mechanism. The cylinders 185 a and 185 b are provided with anumber of indentations in a surface facing in the axial direction. Theindentations are positioned at predetermined angular positions inrelation to respective axis of rotation. As mentioned above thecylinders 185 a and 185 b are non-rotatably connected to respective axisof rotation and respective section of the mobile communications device.

Two discs 190 a, 190 b are fixed to the frame. The two discs 190 a, 190b are each provided with two through-going holes. The discs 190 a, 190 bare arranged parallel to the surfaces of the cylinders 185 a, 185 bbeing provided with the indentations and at a distance from saidsurfaces.

The locking mechanism is further provided with two pressure discs 192 a,192 b arranged in parallel with the above discs 190 a, 190 b. Spheres193 are arranged in the through-going holes of the discs 190 a, 190 band pressured against the cylinders 185 a, 185 b by the pressure discs192 a, 192 b. The discs 190 a, 190 b and spheres 193 do not rotate withthe cylinders 185 a, 185 b. When the user rotates the sections of themobile communications device, the cylinders 185 a, 185 b are rotated inrelation to the hinge frame. Thus, a sphere 193 located in anindentation in the cylinder 185 a will since it is retained in thethrough-going hole keep its angular position in relation to the hingeframe. The sphere 193 will thereby be forced out of the indentation andmove slightly away from the cylinder 185 a, 185 b. This movement will becounteracted by the pressure disc 192 a, 192 b but at a given torque thesphere 193 will leave the indentation. The pressure discs 192 a, 192 bare biased against the spheres 193 towards the cylinders 185 a, 185 b bya compression spring 194 a, 194 b or the like. The pressure discs 192 a,192 b may as complement or as substitute to the indentations in thecylinders 185 a, 185 b be provided with indentations or holes 195 havinga diameter less than the spheres 193. Since the pressure discs rotatewith the cylinders 185 a, 185 b the spheres 193 will similarly engagethe indentations of the pressure discs 192 a, 192 b when the angularpositions coincide. It may be noted that which disc is rotatable withthe section and which is fixed to the hinge frame may be varied in anumber of ways.

FIG. 20 discloses an alternative embodiment of the basic lockingmechanism discussed above. The pressure disc 195 is attached to amanoeuvring pin 198 and is biased against the spheres 193 by acompression spring 196 acting between an inner surface of the cylinder185 and a stop disc 197 attached to the manoeuvring pin 198. Thecompression spring 196 pushes the stop disc to the left in FIG. 20 andthe pin 198 pulls the pressure disc 195 towards the spheres 193. Themanoeuvring pin 198 is accessible from the outside such that an user maypush the pin 198 as indicated by the arrow to the right in FIG. 20.Thereby the pressure disc 195 is pushed to the right and the biasing ofthe spheres is released. In this state the user may change rotate thesections of the mobile communications device without being forced toovercome the resistance when the spheres leaves the indentations andsimultaneous counteracts the biasing of the pressure disc. This designmight be useful for cases where it is desired to form one or more of thelocking positions extraordinary strong or distinct, i.e. withextraordinary deep or steep indentations. With this design such alocking position may be released by activating the pressure pin, whereasthe ordinary locking positions with more shallow indentations may bereleased by just overcoming the biasing force of the pressure disc.

The synchronizing mechanism of FIG. 21-25 comprises a first gear 201 aand a second gear 201 b in engagement with each other. The first gear201 a is non-rotatably connected to a first gear shaft 202 a and thesecond gear 201 b is non-rotatably connected to a second gear shaft 202b.

The first section of the mobile communications device is non-rotatablyconnected to a first shaft 203 a and a second section is non-rotatablyconnected to a second shaft 203 b. The shafts 203 a, 203 b are offsetthe first and second gear shafts 202 a, 202 b. The distance between thefirst and second shafts 203 a, 203 b is determined by the thickness ofthe sections of the mobile communications device. The distance betweenthe first and second gear shafts 202 a, 202 b is determined by the firstand second gear 201 a, 201 b.

A pair of intermediate members 204 a, 204 b are positioned between saidshafts 203 a, 203 b and said gear shafts 202 a, 200 b.

The shafts 203 a, 203 b are each provided with a rib 211 a, 211 b on thesurface facing the intermediate members 204 a, 204 b. The ribs 211 a,211 b extends transversely to the axes of rotation and extends radiallyin both directions from the centre axis.

The intermediate members 204 a, 204 b are on a surface facing the firstand second shafts 203 a, 203 b each provided with a groove 212 a, 212 badapted to receive the ribs 211 a, 211 b of the shafts 203 a, 203 b. Thegrooves 212 a, 212 b extend transversely to the axes of rotation of theshafts 203 a, 203 b and extends radially in both directions from thecentre axis of the intermediate members 204 a, 204 b.

The intermediate members 204 a, 204 b are each further, on a surfacefacing the gears 201 a, 201 b, provided with a groove 213 a, 213 bextending transversely to the axes of rotation of the shafts 203 a, 203b and transversely to the grooves 212 a, 212 b on the other side of theintermediate members 204 a, 204 b. The grooves 213 a, 213 b also extendsradially in both directions from the centre axis of the intermediatemembers 204 a, 204 b.

The gear shafts 202 a, 202 b are each provided with a rib 214 a, 214 bon the surface facing the intermediate members 204 a, 204 b. The ribs214 a, 214 b extends transversely to the gear shafts and extendsradially in both directions from the centre axis. The ribs 214 a, 214 bare received in the grooves 213 a, 213 b of the intermediate members 204a, 204 b.

As shown in FIG. 23-25, the ribs and grooves will slide in relation toeach other and the intermediate members 204 a, 204 b will be translatedback and forth in relation to the shafts and gear shafts. At certainangular positions of the shafts and gear shafts the intermediate memberswill be aligned with the shafts and at other angular positions they willbe aligned with the gear shafts. In the end positions one set of rib andgroove on one side of the intermediate member will be orientedtransversely to the offset distance and the other set of rib and groovewill be oriented along the offset distance. The set of rib and groovebeing transverse to the offset distance will not allow any offsetdistance between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the axis ofrotation of the intermediate member, whereas the set of rib and groovebeing oriented along the offset distance will allow the necessary offsetdistance by a relative displacement of the groove of the intermediatemember and the rib of the gear shaft. When rotated 90°, the rib andgroove-engagement of the intermediate member and gear shaft will notallow any offset distance, whereas the rib and groove-engagement betweenthe intermediate member and the shafts will be directed along the offsetdistance and allow the necessary displacement of the intermediate memberin relation to the axes of rotation of the shafts.

In FIG. 23-25 it is shown how the intermediate members 204 a, 204 b movefrom one end position on the ribs 211 a, 211 b towards a centre position(when the sections are completely flat laid as almost reached in FIG.25). Note how the free portion of the ribs 211 a, 211 b are becomesshorter and shorter in FIG. 24-25 compared to in FIG. 23.

The choice of providing the shafts with ribs and the intermediatemembers with grooves may interchanged such that the intermediate membersis formed with ribs and the shafts are formed with grooves or such thatthe intermediate members are formed with a groove on one side and a ribon the other side and respective shaft is provided with a correspondingrib or groove.

The locking mechanisms of FIG. 26-29 comprises two discs 220 a, 220 beach being non-rotatably connected to a respective shaft 221 a, 221 b.The shafts 221 a, 221 b are arranged to be rotated with respectivesection of the mobile communications device.

The discs 221 a, 221 b are provided with a number of indentations 222positioned on the side surfaces of the discs 221 a, 221 b and atdifferent angular positions.

In the embodiment of FIG. 26-27, the locking mechanism is furtherprovided with two plates 223 held together by a pair of rivets,bolt-and-nut-joints, or the like 224. The plates 223 are provided withprotuberances formed by bulges 225 pressed in the plate. The bulges 225are positioned at a distance from the joints 224 in order to allow theplates to elastically flex to allow disengagement of the indentations222 from the bulges 225.

As shown in FIG. 26-27, the indentations 222 are formed symmetricallysuch that an indentation 222 on one side of the disc is paired with anindentation 222 on the other side of the disc. The plates 223 are alsosymmetrically shaped such that a protuberance 225 on one of the plates223 is paired with a protuberance 225 on the other plate 223.

The plates 223 are provided with through-going holes 226 through whichthe shafts 221 a, 221 b extend. The principal inner surface of theplates 223 and the principal surface of the discs 221 a, 221 bessentially abut each other. This last two features contribute to thestability of the locking mechanism.

When the user rotates one of the sections of the mobile communicationsdevice relative to the hinge, the other section will due to asynchronizing mechanism (not shown) also be rotated to the same extentbut in the opposite direction in relation to the hinge. The indentations222 of the discs 221 a, 221 b will thereby be displaced (by rotation ofthe discs) out of register with the bulges 225 of the plates 223. Thesloping surfaces of the indentations 222 and bulges 225 will wedginglyforce the end portions of the plates 223 to flex outwardly such that thediscs 221 a, 221 b will fit between the bulges 225 even when there is noindentation 222 in register with the bulges 225. When the user continuesto rotate the sections in relation to the hinge, another indentation 222will at a certain angular position start to receive the bulge 225. Dueto the sloped sides of the bulges 225 and the indentations 222 and thebiasing achieved by the elastic deformation of the plates 223, theengagement will by itself be forced to a locked position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 28-29, the locking mechanism is furtherprovided with two intermediate members 230 and two plates 233. Theplates 233 are in this embodiment furthermore arranged in pairs ofplates 233 a, 233 b, one inner plate 223 a and one outer plate 223 b.

The intermediate members 230 are provided with protuberances formed asbulges 225. The intermediate members 230 are positioned between theplates 223 and between the shafts 221 a, 221 b such that a firstintermediate member 230 abuts one side of the two discs 220 a, 220 b anda second intermediate member 230 abuts the other side of the two discs220 a, 220 b. In the embodiment of FIG. 28-29, the protuberances 225 ofthe intermediate members 230 are formed inside recesses in theintermediate members 230, which recesses are adapted to receive aportion outside a chord of the discs 220 a, 220 b, which portion isprovided with the indentations 222 at given angular positions.

As shown in FIG. 28-29, the indentations 222 are formed symmetricallysuch that an indentation 222 on one side of the disc is paired with anindentation 222 on the other side of the disc. The intermediate members230 are also symmetrically shaped such that a protuberance 225 on one ofthe intermediate members 230 is paired with a protuberance 225 on theother intermediate member 230.

When the user rotates one of the sections of the mobile communicationsdevice relative to the hinge, the other section will due to asynchronizing mechanism (not shown) also be rotated to the same extentbut in the opposite direction in relation to the hinge. The indentations222 of the discs 221 a, 221 b will thereby be displaced (by rotation ofthe discs) out of register with the bulges 225 of the intermediatemembers 230. The sloping surfaces of the indentations 222 and bulges 225will wedgingly the intermediate members 230 outwardly. This in turnforces the centre portions of the plates 233 to flex outwardly such thatthe discs 221 a, 221 b will fit between the bulges 225 even when thereis no indentation 222 in register with the bulges 225. When the usercontinues to rotate the sections in relation to the hinge, anotherindentation 222 will at a certain angular position start to receive thebulge 225. Due to the sloped sides of the bulges 225 and theindentations 222 and the biasing achieved by the elastic deformation ofthe plates 233, the engagement will by itself be forced to a lockedposition.

The intermediate members 230 are each provided, on its outer surfaces,with a ridge 234 extending transversely to the distance between thediscs 220 a, 220 b. The ridge 234 thus extend along the line about whichthe plates 233 are curved when they flex outwardly due to thedisengagement of the indentations 222 and bulges 225.

As indicated by double-dot-dashed lines the surroundings may be formedwith a curvature essentially corresponding to the curvature the plates233 will reach when the indentations and bulges are disengaged.

In FIG. 30 the angles of the indentations and protuberances is shown indetail. For easy understanding of the disclosure of FIG. 30, compareFIG. 30 with the mechanism of FIG. 26 as viewed from above. Theindentation 222 of the disc 220 a is sloped an angle α. The protuberance225 of the plate 223 is sloped an angle β. As mentioned above the slopedsurfaces will provide a wedging motion of the protuberance 225 inrelation to the indentation 222. When the user starts to rotate sectionin relation to the hinge the necessary torque will rise (as shown inFIG. 31) since the plates 223 will need to be bent more and more. Achange in this increasing torque will occur when the corner radius ofthe protuberance contacts the corner radius of the indentation. At thefinal stages of the protuberance leaving the indentation the torque willdecrease to the value necessary to overcome the friction of thenon-locked locking mechanism (e.g. the friction between the sides of thediscs and the surfaces of the plates). The torque to overcome in thedisengagement will rise steeper for a smaller slope angle (see FIG. 31).

As shown in FIG. 32 the synchronizing member generally comprises aflexible shaft 240 bent into a U-shape. The first end 240 a of theflexible shaft 240 is connected to the first axis of rotation of thefirst section 241 in relation to the hinge 243. The second end 240 b ofthe flexible shaft 240 is connected to the second axis of rotation ofthe second section 242 in relation to the hinge 243.

The U-shape of the flexible shaft 240 bridges the distance between thefirst and second synchronizing axis 241 a, 242 a. The diameter of theflexible shaft 240 may thus be formed substantially smaller than saiddistance and it will therefore not interfere with the aim of making thehinge thinner than the sections of the mobile communications device.

In accordance with one embodiment the flexible shaft 240 is basicallyformed of a screw spring (see FIG. 32), wherein the wire forming thespring is wound along a screw line about an axis of rotation. The axisof rotation is bent into a U-shape.

In accordance with another embodiment (not shown) the flexible shaft isbasically formed a flexible shaft of a polymeric material or the like.The torsional stiffness may be increased by winding threads or wiresdiagonally about the shaft.

It may be noted that although FIG. 32 only discloses a singe U-shapedflexible shaft 240 it is conceivable to use further flexible shafts,e.g. another one directed the other way around and connected to thefirst and second section at the other end of the hinge 243.

As shown in FIG. 33-35 this embodiment of the synchronizing mechanismcomprises a first gear 251 rotatable with the first section about afirst axis of rotation 251 a, a second gear 252 rotatable with thesecond section about a second axis of rotation 252 a.

The synchronizing mechanism further comprises a third gear 253 rotatableabout a third axis of rotation 253 a offset the first axis of rotation251 a and a fourth gear 254 rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation254 a offset the second axis of rotation 252 a.

The third gear 253 is via its inner surface in engagement with theoutside of the first gear 251. The fourth gear 254 is via its innersurface in engagement with the outside of the second gear 252. The outersurface of the third gear 253 is in engagement with the outer surface ofthe fourth gear 254.

The third axis of rotation 253 a and the fourth axis of rotation 254 aare positioned between the first and second axis of rotation 251 a, 252a.

The first and second gears 251, 252 are non-rotatably connected to thefirst and second section of the mobile communications device via twoshafts 251 a, 252 a. The third and fourth gears 253, 254 are freelyrotatably connected to the hinge via two shafts 253 a, 254 a havingfixed positions relative to the hinge. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 thethird and fourth gears 253, 254 are provided with teeth on its innersurface only along a portion of the width of the gear (width along theaxis of rotation) and are along a portion of the width provided with acoupling portion 253 b, 254 b. The coupling portions 253 b, 254 b engagethe shafts 253 a, 254 a and achieve the desired free rotatability of thegears 253, 254.

As shown in FIG. 35, the first gear 251 will rotate with the firstsection of the mobile communications device as indicated by the arrows Aand B. Due to the engagement of the outside of the first gear 251 withthe inside of the third gear 253, the third gear 253 will also rotate inthe same direction C as the first gear 251. It will however have adifferent rotational speed due to the gear ratio. The fourth gear 254will be rotated by the third gear 253 (both having the same rotationalspeed) in the opposite direction D. The fourth gear 254 will rotate thesecond gear 252 in the same direction E as the fourth gear 254. It willhowever have a different rotational speed due to the gear ratio. Sincethe gear ratio of the first/third gears and the second/fourth gears arethe same and since the two gear ratios are mirrored the second gear 252will rotate with the same rotational speed as the first gear 251 but inopposite directions. The second section of the mobile communicationsdevice will rotate with the second gear 252 in with the same rotationalspeed as the first section but in the opposite direction F. Thus, when auser starts to change the angular orientation of one of the sections inrelation to the hinge, the other section will change its angularorientation in relation to the hinge the corresponding amount but in theopposite direction F. Alternatively it may be put as when a user changethe angular orientation of one section in relation to the other sectionthe hinge will change half this change in angular position in relationto the first section and the other half in relation to the secondsection.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

Especially it should be noted that there are disclosed on one handseveral different designs for accomplishing the synchronizing of the twosections of the mobile communications device or the two members of thehinge and on the other hand there is disclosed several different designsfor accomplishing the locking of the two sections or members in certainpositions. It is contemplated that the designs relating to thesynchronizing may be combined with the different designs of lockingmechanisms and vice versa in addition to the combinations explicitlydisclosed in the different embodiments.

It may also be noted that the different aspects of usability has beendiscussed in detail in respect of some embodiments and only briefly inrespect of others. It should in this context be understood that thebasic objectives of usability are applicable to all differentembodiments even if not explicitly discussed in relation to everyembodiment.

It should also be noted that the discloses locking mechanism areprovided in respect of both axes of rotation of the hinge members orsections of the mobile communications device. When both axes of rotationare provided with locking mechanisms, the user will experience adistinct lock in respect of both sections in relation to the hingeframe. However, since the rotation of the hinge members or sections aresynchronized, one locking mechanism in respect of one of the axes ofrotation will suffice to get a locking functionality of the hinge assuch. With only one locking mechanism there is however a higher demandon the synchronization to be free from any play or flimsiness.

1. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member having a second axis of rotation offset from said first axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and wherein the synchronizing members comprise four conical or truncated conical gears connected to each other.
 2. A hinge according to claim 1, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 3. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 4. A hinge as in claim 3, wherein the hinge has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section.
 5. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the first and second elements are frame members rigidly attached or attachable to a first and second section of a mobile communications device.
 6. A hinge as in claim 5, wherein the hinge has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section.
 7. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge frame having a generally oval side profile and two parallel pin receiving holes.
 8. A hinge as in claim 7, wherein the hinge frame comprises a recess for receiving the synchronizing members.
 9. A hinge as in claim 7, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member being non-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with one or more indentations or protuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or more protuberances or indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation.
 10. A hinge as in claim 9, wherein a respective protuberance is formed by a sphere shaped member positioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the first axis of rotation.
 11. A hinge as in claim 9, wherein the first locking member is movable in a direction allowing the indentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and is biased against the second locking member, or vice versa.
 12. A hinge as in claim 9, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatably attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an elastically deformable plate provided with protuberances.
 13. A hinge as in claim 9, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatable attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an intermediate member provided with protuberances, wherein the intermediate member is biased against the disc by an elastically deformable plate.
 14. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge lock for locking the position of the second element relative to the first element at an intermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully open position.
 15. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a first and second hinge pin rotatably mounted in a pin receiving holes, each of the first and second hinge pins having one conical or truncated conical gear connected thereto, and each of the first or second hinge pins being rigidly connected to a respective one of the first and second elements; a third, transverse hinge pin having two conical or truncated conical gears connected thereto and rotatably mounted in connection to the conical or truncated conical gears of the first and second hinge pins so that rotational movement of the first hinge pin is transferred to the second hinge pin via the conical or truncated conical gears.
 16. A hinge as in claim 15, wherein a hinge lock comprises planar cut-outs on a partially cylindrical surface arranged between the two conical or truncated conical gears on the third hinge pin, said partial cylindrical surface being arranged in contact with a spring-loaded lock control part.
 17. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein synchronizing members define a first synchronizing axis on the first hinge member, a second synchronizing axis on the second hinge member, and further comprise a connecting link adapted to connect the first and second synchronizing axes with each other, wherein the first synchronizing axis is offset from the first axis of rotation in a first direction and the second synchronizing axis is offset from the second axis of rotation in a second, opposite the first, direction.
 18. A hinge as in claim 17, wherein the connecting link is adapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and second synchronizing axes.
 19. A hinge as in claim 1, further comprising a flex circuit extending across the hinge being adapted to electrically connecting electronic circuitry in a first section attached to the first hinge member to electronic circuitry in a second section attached to the second hinge member.
 20. A hinge as in claim 19, wherein the flex circuit is partly wound about the first axis of rotation in a first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in the first direction.
 21. A hinge as in claim 20, wherein the flex circuit is wound about the first and second axis of rotation in a total winding angle of at least 180°.
 22. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein the first hinge member comprises a first screw gear extending along the first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises a second screw gear extending along the second axis of rotation; and the synchronizing members comprises a moving member in engagement with the first screw gear and the second screw gear.
 23. A hinge as in claim 22, wherein the first screw gear is adapted to rotate with the first element and the second screw gear is adapted to rotate with the second element, whereby the moving member is in engagement with the first screw gear such that rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge causes the moving member to move along the screw gears in a direction being the same as caused by rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge in an direction opposite the rotational movement of the first element.
 24. A hinge as in claim 22, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 25. A hinge as in claim 22, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 26. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein the first hinge member comprises a first and a second reel-up surface extending about the first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises a third and a fourth reel-up surface extending about the second axis of rotation; and the synchronizing members comprises two belts, the first belt being wound about the first reel-up surface in a first direction and about the third reel-up surface in the first direction, and the second belt being wound about the second reel-up surface in a second, opposite the first, direction and about the fourth reel-up surface in the second direction.
 27. A hinge as in claim 26, wherein the hinge comprises at least one tensioning element applying a torque on at least one of the reel-up surfaces in relation to the hinge member associated with said at least one reel-up surface in the wound up direction of said at least on reel-up surface.
 28. A hinge as in claim 27, wherein the hinge comprises at least one tensioning element applying a torque on the first reel-up surface in relation to the first hinge member in the first direction or on the third reel-up surface in relation to the second hinge member in the first direction, and at least one tensioning element applying a torque on the second reel-up surface in relation to the first hinge member in the second direction or on the fourth reel-up surface in relation to the second hinge member in the second direction.
 29. A hinge as in claim 26, wherein the first and second reel-up surfaces are formed on members being non-rotatably connected to each other or on portions of one member.
 30. A hinge as in claim 29, wherein a tensioning element is connected to a member being provided with the third reel-up surface and is adapted to apply a torque in the first direction in relation to said member.
 31. A hinge as in claim 26, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 32. A hinge as in claim 26, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 33. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein a first synchronizing member extends or a first set of synchronizing members are arranged along a first path, extending about the first axis in a first direction, between the first and second axes, and about the second axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and a second synchronizing member extends or a second set of synchronizing members are arranged along a second path, extending about the first axis in the second direction, between the first and second axis and about the second axis in the first direction.
 34. A hinge as in claim 33, wherein the first synchronizing member or the first set of synchronizing members are arranged to transfer a pressing power along the first path to synchronize a rotation of the first hinge member in the first direction with a rotation of the second hinge member in the second direction, and wherein the second synchronizing member or the second set of synchronizing members are arranged to transfer a pressing power along the second path to synchronize a rotation of the second hinge member in the second direction with a rotation of the first hinge member in the first direction.
 35. A hinge as in claim 33, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 36. A hinge as in claim 33, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 37. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein the synchronizing members comprises a first gear rotatable with the first hinge member about a third axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation, a second gear rotatable with the second hinge member about a fourth axis of rotation offset from the second axis of rotation and in engagement with the first gear, and a first intermediate member connecting the first hinge member with the first gear and a second intermediate member connecting the second hinge member with the second gear.
 38. A hinge as in claim 37, wherein the first and second hinge members are each provided with a first guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation, respectively, the first and second intermediate members are on a first side each provided with a second guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation and on a second side each provided with a third guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation and transversely to the second guide member, and the first and second gears are each non-rotatably connected to a fourth guide member extending transversely to the third and fourth axis of rotation, respectively, whereby the two first guide members each engage a second guide member and the two third guide members each engage a fourth guide member.
 39. A hinge as in claim 37, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 40. A hinge as in claim 37, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 41. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein the synchronizing members comprises a flexible shaft being able to transfer a rotation and being able to be bent into a U-shape, wherein a first end of the flexible shaft is connected to the first hinge member and a second end of the flexible shaft is connected to the second hinge member, and wherein the shaft is bent into a U-shape.
 42. A hinge as in claim 41, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.
 43. A hinge as in claim 41, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 44. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge; and, wherein the synchronizing members comprise a first gear rotatable with the first hinge member about the first axis of rotation, a second gear rotatable with the second hinge member about the second axis of rotation, a third gear being rotatable about a third axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation and third gear being, via an inner surface of said third gear, in engagement with the first gear, a fourth gear, being rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation offset from the second axis of rotation, and being, via an inner surface of said fourth gear, in engagement with the second gear, wherein an outer surface of the third gear is in engagement with an outer surface of the fourth gear.
 45. A hinge as in claim 44, wherein the third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation are, positioned between the first and second axis of rotation.
 46. A hinge as in claim 44, wherein the synchronizing members are configured to transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.
 47. A mobile communications device comprising: a housing; a transceiver in the housing; a keypad connected to the housing; and a display connected to the housing; wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the multi-axis hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, and synchronizing members in the multi-axis hinge, configured to transfer rotational movement of the first section relative to the multi-axis hinge to rotational movement of the second section relative to the hinge; and, wherein the synchronizing members define a first synchronizing axis at the first section, a second synchronizing axis at the second section, and further comprise a connecting link adapted to connect the first and second synchronizing axes with each other, wherein the first synchronizing axis is offset from the first axis of rotation in a first direction and the second synchronizing axis is offset from the second axis of rotation in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
 48. A mobile communications device as in claim 47, wherein the connecting link is adapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and second synchronizing axes. 